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Five Food Finds about the Martini:

  1. A classic martini is gin or vodka, a splash of dry vermouth (French-white) and an olive or a lemon twist garnish.
  2. Italian immigrant bartender Martini di Arma di Taggia in New York City is said to have invent the drink around World War I
  3. If a Martini is shaken it is said to be ‘bruised’ or watered down. Many say stirring the ice will help chill without adding water to the mixture.
  4. Many think the martini is derived from a British-made rifle called a Martini & Henry used by the English army 1870’s because of its ‘kick’.
  5. It is said that John D. Rockefeller ‘brought the Martini to Wall Street’ thus establishing the ‘3 martini lunch’

Today’s Food History

  • 1912 The United States government adopted an 8-hour work day. (I’m still waiting!)
  • 1931 The first commercial doors operated by a photoelectric cell were installed on the swinging doors between the kitchen and dining room of Wilcox’s Pier Restaurant in West Haven, Connecticut.
  • 1941 General Mills introduced ‘Cherioats.’ The name was changed to ‘Cherrios’ in 1945.
  • 1978 Garfield, the lasagna eating cat was born. He was brought into this world by cartoonist Jim Davis.
  • 1987 Ben & Jerry Ice Cream introduced a new Ice Cream flavor, Cherry Garcia.
  • 1993 English author William Golding died. His first novel was ‘Lord of the Flies’ (1954).