Food Thread: A Blast From The Past!

[Because I am otherwise engaged, I have dipped into the archives and come up with my 13-year-old comments about martinis, and because I am nothing if not a creature of habit, they haven't changed much!]

Any classic cocktail book will have a martini recipe that is bizarre for the typical modern drinker. A 2:1 or 3:1 ratio of gin to dry vermouth yields an unpleasant drink. The vermouth overwhelms the gin's botanicals, and you are left with the flavor of cheap, fortified wine with some herbs tossed in for flavor.

It's just not pleasant, so we back off on the vermouth, and drink 5:1 or 10:1 or plain gin. And that's probably one big reason for the explosion in boutique gins. If the typical martini is essentially pure gin, why not make it interesting?

But [13 years and] three nights ago I had a 3:1 martini that was spectacular. Rich and flavorful, but without the sere and bitter notes that typical vermouth brings to the table.

Yet....it was made with vermouth! Carpano Bianco, from an old Italian firm that makes some well known fortified wines such as Punt E Mes and Fernet Branca. The production of their white vermouth is so small that it doesn't even make the cut for their web site, unless I missed it (a distinct possibility). [They have it now]

This vermouth is flavorful, intense, smooth and complex. Nothing like the typical vermouth that is used in seemingly every bar in the world.

Obviously the standard that most vermouth makers follow has changed, and thank God these folks ignored the modernization of this drink. My guess is that the base wine has become more expensive, so most makers started using cheaper stuff. And the botanicals that are used to flavor vermouth may have gone the same route.

Admittedly a modern martini is a different experience. The crisp, cold feeling of good gin, a dash of vermouth, and a twist of lemon* is hard to beat.

But for a another experience, something akin to what your great aunt Millie drank in her flapper days, give this a shot.

*Sorry, olives don't belong in a martini. If I want vegetables, I'll order a salad (stolen from Robert Bork).

******
And....just because it is great:

******
The great garlic experiment of 2025-2026 was a resounding...meh. Send all of your excellent home-grown garlic to: cbd dot aoshq at gmail dot com.

About the Bourbon Bubble...I think it has burst, but the category is also suffering from the inflation that affected everything else (Thanks Biden!). I think the sweet spot is still $40-$60 for excellent and interesting bottles, and bumping that to $100 gets you an incremental improvement in quality, but nothing mind-blowing. More than that and I think you are paying for hype and rarity, which may look good in your liquor cabinet, but doesn't translate to more quality in the bottle.

The problem...or the solution...is to buy lots of bourbon, take tasting notes, and eventually arrive at your favorites! It should take forty or fifty years, but it is worth it!

Posted by: CBD at 04:00 PM

Comments

(Jump to bottom of comments)

1 Food fight

Posted by: Skip at October 18, 2026 04:00 PM (Ia/+0)

2 (Throws a cream pie at door)

Posted by: Skip at October 18, 2026 04:00 PM (Ia/+0)

3 Wise guy eh

Posted by: Skip at October 18, 2026 04:02 PM (Ia/+0)

4 SPLAT

Posted by: Skip at October 18, 2026 04:02 PM (Ia/+0)

5 > *Sorry, olives don't belong in a martini.
----------
Wut?

Posted by: Martini Farmer at October 18, 2026 04:02 PM (RORbl)

6 Haven't had a Martini in decades

Posted by: Skip at October 18, 2026 04:04 PM (Ia/+0)

7 Food!

Posted by: RedMindBlueState at October 18, 2026 04:05 PM (weWIX)

8 I remember when my French "sister" (whose family I stayed with during a term of language study abroad) came to visit us, and we took her out to dinner. She ordered Martini (&Rossi) but of course ended up with an American martini. We quickly cleared that up!

Posted by: Miley, okravangelist at October 18, 2026 04:06 PM (w6EFb)

9 5 > *Sorry, olives don't belong in a martini.
----------
Wut?
Posted by: Martini Farmer at October 18, 2026 04:02 PM (RORbl)

Takes up too much space...

Posted by: It's me donna at October 18, 2026 04:07 PM (+gK6I)

10 She always pronounced "law" as "low."

Posted by: Miley, okravangelist at October 18, 2026 04:07 PM (w6EFb)

11 Yesterday there were 3 different references to popcorn on the various threads. Three. That has to be a sign.

Guess what I'm having for dinner.

Posted by: Wenda at October 18, 2026 04:08 PM (J5E68)

12 I'll just toss out this old martini article from Cigar, Fishing, and Auto.

https://www.cigaraficionado.com
/article/martini-madness-7630

Posted by: RedMindBlueState at October 18, 2026 04:08 PM (weWIX)

13 I have never had a martini. Don't care for gin, in general, so never ordered one.

Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at October 18, 2026 04:09 PM (CjHsb)

14 Martinis ain't food...

Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at October 18, 2026 04:11 PM (l3cgK)

15 My 'not really interesting' food thing for today:
Shamy makes a 'steakhouse butter' (or did, I bought this pre-Covid).

It tastes kinda like restaurant queso - y'know, 'just a hint of kick but not enough to make me wince'.

I plan to do breakfast burritos tonight for supper - bacon, scrambled eggs, some of this stuff mixed in with the bacon grease, maybe some diced tomato and shredded cheese mixed in with the eggs, shredded cheese on top, and avocado salsa spread on the tortillas to hold things.

Posted by: RandomDave at October 18, 2026 04:11 PM (aJQbY)

16 Let's set the record straight. First of all, it's not a "Martini". It is a "Martinez Cocktail". The Martini name showed up as a sales gimmick by an Italian company named "Martini and Rossi" who were pushing their sweet vermouth.

The most widely accepted historical ancestor is the Martinez cocktail, documented in Jerry Thomas's 1887 edition of The Bartender's Guide.

One popular legend claims the drink was invented during the California Gold Rush in the town of Martinez, or named after a commuter ferry route running from San Francisco to Martinez.

Martini is just the gay sounding European version of "The Martinez Cocktail."

Posted by: Orson at October 18, 2026 04:11 PM (dIske)

17 3 Wise guy eh
Posted by: Skip at October 18, 2026 04:02 PM (Ia/+0)

Why I aughta.....

Posted by: Anonymous Rogue in Kalifornistan (ARiK's phone) at October 18, 2026 04:11 PM (QGaXH)

18 That poor lady at the bar has a bad case of Kaposi's sarcoma. Drink up honey.

Posted by: San Franpsycho at October 18, 2026 04:11 PM (RIvkX)

19 Drinks go with food
Oh look. Its Scotch time

Posted by: Skip at October 18, 2026 04:14 PM (Ia/+0)

20 30 Day Aged by radiation bourbon seems a little,....dangerous?

Posted by: SpeakingOf at October 18, 2026 04:14 PM (6ydKt)

21 Just served the kids a nice asparagus quiche and apple arugula salad for brunch. Mrs. F. made cherry orange scones. Teh awesome.

Posted by: San Franpsycho at October 18, 2026 04:14 PM (RIvkX)

22 11 Yesterday there were 3 different references to popcorn on the various threads. Three. That has to be a sign.

Guess what I'm having for dinner.

Posted by: Wenda at October 18, 2026 04:08 PM (J5E6

Corn on the cob?

Posted by: SpeakingOf at October 18, 2026 04:17 PM (6ydKt)

23 Should get bottle of cognac nextvtrip to liquor store

Posted by: Skip at October 18, 2026 04:17 PM (Ia/+0)

24 I used to be able to make a great margarita without looking at a recipe. Somehow I've lost that skill. Sad.

Posted by: LASue at October 18, 2026 04:19 PM (lCppi)

25 If I'm going to have a drink in a martini glass, I'd rather it be a Last Word, or maybe an Aviation.

The only vermouth-containing drinks I've liked are the Vieux Carre, and its less-popular-but-better sister, the A La Louisiane.

But that might be because of what CBD said in the Content: vermouth ain't what it used to be.

Posted by: mikeski at October 18, 2026 04:19 PM (VHUov)

26 Walk into bar. Asks bartender if they have vermouth.

Bartender pulls a bottle from back of bar.

You tell him, "ok. That's as close as it gets to my martini".

Afternoon all.

Posted by: rickb223 at October 18, 2026 04:19 PM (DQA4z)

27 After I made the dog food today, I decided I would bake the skins from the salmon for crispy snacks for them.

Gawd, the stench was unbearable! Threw them in a frying pan instead, and I was forced to make cookies to replace the bad smell with a good one.

Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at October 18, 2026 04:19 PM (CjHsb)

28 I had a drink at the Trump Tower Grill last Sunday, and it turned out to be the best (huge, the greatest) Negroni I’ve had outside of Italy.

I realized it had to be the vermouth, so I asked what they used. Giuseppe B. Carpano Antica Formula. So I will be switching my Vermouth allegiance from Trader Joe’s…

Posted by: Stephen Price Blair at October 18, 2026 04:20 PM (kYmoU)

29 Booze? Got lucky today and found a bottle of Green Chartreuse at Total Wine when their app said none was available.

Maybe I'll go play the lottery. >8^>

Posted by: Additional Blond Agent, STEM Guy at October 18, 2026 04:21 PM (iIyc0)

30 25 But that might be because of what CBD said in the Content: vermouth ain't what it used to be.
Posted by: mikeski at October 18, 2026 04:19 PM (VHUov)

Is that why the Iranians keep trying to close the Strait of Vermouth....?

Posted by: Anonymous Rogue in Kalifornistan (ARiK's phone) at October 18, 2026 04:22 PM (QGaXH)

31 Food thread!

*looks at top picture *

I know what I'm hungry for...

Posted by: Diogenes at October 18, 2026 04:26 PM (2WIwB)

32 So, baked BBQ ribs and a baked potato and broccoli.

Oh, no! No sour cream for the spud.

Okay, relax. I have some ricotta.

I am just about to taste it. Wish me luck.

Posted by: no one of any consequence at October 18, 2026 04:29 PM (LOvBA)

33 30 Day Aged by radiation bourbon seems a little, ....dangerous?
Posted by: SpeakingOf

In the sense that "the quality level may be approaching that of Value-Rite (from below)," yes.

In the Bruce-Banner sense, it's only dangerous to the people trying to make it.

Lots of the food you eat is preserved by irradiation. It's not hit with anything powerful enough to induce further radioactivity in the food. And I doubt the makers of gimmicky rotgut whiskey are playing with chunks of plutonium.

Posted by: mikeski at October 18, 2026 04:30 PM (VHUov)

34 I am one of the sad, deprived people who start hurling when I drink gin. I am probably allergic to one of the botanicals.
So I drink rum.

Posted by: Kindltot at October 18, 2026 04:31 PM (rbvCR)

35 Carpano Rosso makes a very good Manhattan, and the Bianco makes a good Perfect Mahattan, as well. Good stuff!

Posted by: Fritz at October 18, 2026 04:31 PM (J7jo9)

36 Yum yum.

Posted by: no one of any consequence at October 18, 2026 04:32 PM (LOvBA)

37 I had a martini phase.

Here's the hard truth. Gin is awful. I bet Windex tastes better.

Posted by: San Franpsycho at October 18, 2026 04:32 PM (RIvkX)

38 I doubt the makers of gimmicky rotgut whiskey are playing with chunks of plutonium.

“I’m going to build a plutonium-powered bank-vault destroyer and steal millions!”—every Marvel villain who has not studied economics, which is all of them.

Posted by: Stephen Price Blair at October 18, 2026 04:33 PM (kYmoU)

39 The hell?

Posted by: Weasel at October 18, 2026 04:34 PM (NfVjt)

40 36 Yum yum.
Posted by: no one of any consequence at October 18, 2026 04:32 PM (LOvBA)

I was just ready to ask how it turned out.

Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at October 18, 2026 04:34 PM (CjHsb)

41 Martinez Cocktail.

Mmmm mmm good.

Posted by: Commissar of plenty and festive little hats at October 18, 2026 04:34 PM (MwwzA)

42 "Oak Ridge Distilling Co."

Cute, but it must be a gag.

Posted by: Cicero (@cicero43) at October 18, 2026 04:35 PM (vBZcw)

43 5 > *Sorry, olives don't belong in a martini.
----------
Wut?
Posted by: Martini Farmer at October 18, 2026 04:02 PM (RORbl)

Takes up too much space...
Posted by: It's me donna at October 18, 2026 04:07 PM (+gK6I)
-----
Bigger glass.... no problemo. I prefer a single, small or medium olive in my Martinis. I suppose I could experiment with different brands of Vermouth and Gin... which would be cool.

*taps fingers on desk*

*looks at checking account balance*

Posted by: Martini Farmer at October 18, 2026 04:35 PM (RORbl)

44 The Martinez Cocktails I enjoyed were sans maraschino.

Posted by: Commissar of plenty and festive little hats at October 18, 2026 04:38 PM (MwwzA)

45 Presumably used γ-radiation, plus each bottle was checked by Geiger counter to check that it was no more radioactive than usual. You know, everything is slightly radioactive. Better not use a Geiger counter on your granite table top, and certainly not on that fresh bunch of bananas!

Posted by: NemoMeImpuneLacessit at October 18, 2026 04:39 PM (PW3Q+)

46 Those is ugly legs too

Posted by: Commissar of plenty and festive little hats at October 18, 2026 04:39 PM (MwwzA)

47 Risotto makes a wonder replacement for sour cream in a baked potato.

It is better.

Posted by: no one of any consequence at October 18, 2026 04:39 PM (LOvBA)

48 20 30 Day Aged by radiation bourbon seems a little,....dangerous?

Posted by: SpeakingOf at October 18, 2026 04:14 PM (6ydKt)

Maybe if from Chernobyl...
It also depends on what KIND of radiation used...

Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at October 18, 2026 04:40 PM (l3cgK)

49 Sounds like the fox and sour grapes.

Posted by: NemoMeImpuneLacessit at October 18, 2026 04:40 PM (PW3Q+)

50 Maybe if from Chernobyl...
It also depends on what KIND of radiation used...
Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at October 18, 2026 04:40 PM (l3cgK)

----------

Aged in rusty steel barrels

Posted by: Cicero (@cicero43) at October 18, 2026 04:43 PM (vBZcw)

51 Ah Yes! Martini. Ages ago I would simply call my girlfriend and say: "Birdbath Martini" and instant date.

Posted by: Kafiroon at October 18, 2026 04:44 PM (bXuWv)

52 On the rare occasions I drink gin, it is with tonic.

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at October 18, 2026 04:45 PM (fWToy)

53 Better not use a Geiger counter on your granite table top, and certainly not on that fresh bunch of bananas!
Posted by: NemoMeImpuneLacessit
-------

Try your smoke detectors. Americium. Coleman lantern mantles, thorium. Aladdin lamp mantles,ditto.

Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at October 18, 2026 04:46 PM (XeU6L)

54 Apparently a gag gift:

https://orau.org/health-physics-museum/
collection/miscellaneous/frisky-whiskey.html

Posted by: NemoMeImpuneLacessit at October 18, 2026 04:46 PM (PW3Q+)

55 In summer use to drink gin in lemonade, that was long ago

Posted by: Skip at October 18, 2026 04:48 PM (Ia/+0)

56 But people will eat bananas, but not lantern mantles.

Posted by: NemoMeImpuneLacessit at October 18, 2026 04:48 PM (PW3Q+)

57 I am one of the sad, deprived people who start hurling when I drink gin. I am probably allergic to one of the botanicals.
So I drink rum.
Posted by: Kindltot at October 18, 2026 04:31 PM (rbvCR)

Drink rum, drink rum, drink rum and follow us.
We don't a damn for any old man who don't give a damn for us!

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at October 18, 2026 04:49 PM (fWToy)

58 On the rare occasions I drink gin, it is with tonic.
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon
------

The positive medicinal qualities of juniper berries is undisputed.

Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at October 18, 2026 04:49 PM (XeU6L)

59 I'm probably in the minority, but the smell and taste of gin always reminded me of the hair tonic they used back in the 1920's.

Posted by: Orson at October 18, 2026 04:52 PM (dIske)

60 The positive medicinal qualities of juniper berries is undisputed.
Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at October 18, 2026 04:49 PM (XeU6L)

I have a juniper bush in my yard. Or maybe deadly nightshade. Not sure.

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at October 18, 2026 04:53 PM (fWToy)

61 Rum, vodka, and bourbon. The extent of my liquor.

Posted by: Mr Aspirin Factory at October 18, 2026 04:53 PM (8B4gm)

62 The positive medicinal qualities of juniper berries is undisputed.
Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at October 18, 2026 04:49 PM (XeU6L)

as purgative, yes.

Posted by: Kindltot at October 18, 2026 04:53 PM (rbvCR)

63 Messing around with all the Safewy cheap produce and my open Asian ingredients in my fridge...

So, it's baked salmon filets with a sesame garlic sauce, roasted broccoli with some of that sauce and some pad thai sauce and garlic, an Asian omelette with cabbage slaw, some chili crunch, and some soy (making that now), and some fresh French bread - and a cup of pineapple for those unwilling to try the omelette (this is screwing around with cheap ingredients and it may go badly)...

If you haven't shopped Safeway or its brother stores, do it this week - produce deals are amazing...if you know which ones to grab...and even if you don't...

Posted by: Nova Local at October 18, 2026 04:53 PM (tOcjL)

64 Since cocktails are on-topic, will repeat reco to try a Sidecar. For those with lemon trees. The fresh juice is key. Basically a margarita where lemon is swapped for lime, and cognac for tequila. Very refreshing.

Posted by: rhomboid at October 18, 2026 04:53 PM (U/Byj)

65 Maybe as an emetic, I don't know.

Posted by: Kindltot at October 18, 2026 04:54 PM (rbvCR)

66 Explains gin & tonic.
Apparently the gin is so bad you need a tonic for it.

Posted by: SpeakingOf at October 18, 2026 04:55 PM (6ydKt)

67 This kind of thing gets discussed here a lot - friend texted me that at a WNBA game, *both* teams left the floor for the national anthem. Beautiful, really.

Posted by: rhomboid at October 18, 2026 04:55 PM (U/Byj)

68 Better not use a Geiger counter on your granite table top, and certainly not on that fresh bunch of bananas!
Posted by: NemoMeImpuneLacessit
-------
Try your smoke detectors. Americium. Coleman lantern mantles, thorium. Aladdin lamp mantles,ditto.
Posted by: Mike Hammer

Of those, the bananas are the most dangerous. Radioactive potassium emits beta radiation.

The rest are alpha emitters, and alpha particles can be blocked by things like tissue paper, threadbare t-shirts, and your outer layer of (dead) skin. The only "dangerous" alpha emitters are the ones you breathe (radon) or consume.

So if you're trying to irradiate an opposing army, you're much better off sending them free bananas than trying to shoot up everything around them with depleted-uranium munitions. (Also alpha, with a 4-billion-year half-life.)

Posted by: mikeski at October 18, 2026 04:56 PM (VHUov)

69 I don't want any irradiated bourbon.

I've had enough problems with worms in mezcal.

Posted by: SpeakingOf at October 18, 2026 04:57 PM (6ydKt)

70 I'm not sure if I've ever tried gin, maybe, but too drunk to remember it.

If gin is so bad how bad must bathtub gin be?

It's a miracle we didn't have an epidemic of blindness during Prohibition.

Posted by: SpeakingOf at October 18, 2026 04:58 PM (6ydKt)

71 I saw Irradiated Mezcal open for the Arrogant Worms at Maple Leaf Gardens in '02.

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at October 18, 2026 04:59 PM (fWToy)

72 Never got grog, watered down gin rationed to British Sailors

Posted by: Skip at October 18, 2026 05:00 PM (Ia/+0)

73 So if you're trying to irradiate an opposing army, you're much better off sending them free bananas than trying to shoot up everything around them with depleted-uranium munitions. (Also alpha, with a 4-billion-year half-life.)

Posted by: mikeski at October 18, 2026 04:56 PM (VHUov)

But what's the actually radiation damage from a bunch of bananas?

If you slept with bananas on your chest every night for years, would you get skin cancer or lung cancer?

Posted by: SpeakingOf at October 18, 2026 05:01 PM (6ydKt)

74 None of you 'Rons have yet noticed the BOOBS at the top right of the picture?!

Posted by: Helena Handbasket at October 18, 2026 05:01 PM (jb8Ss)

75 Explains gin & tonic.
Apparently the gin is so bad you need a tonic for it.
Posted by: SpeakingOf
__________

Or some bubonic chronic.

Posted by: Snoop Dogg at October 18, 2026 05:02 PM (JzUSu)

76 80 degrees and sunny at Casa Sin Problemas, with a northerly wind just strong enough to keep the smoke out of one's eyes. If steak wasn't so outlandishly priced, this would have been a perfect day for it. St Louis ribs, ditto.

I made meatballs and sauce. Little had an afternoon shift at Publix, so that dictated the menu as well as the meal time. The Chianti came from Aldi's. Serviceable...

Posted by: Joe Kidd at October 18, 2026 05:02 PM (08OqX)

77 I tried the oven baked southwest chicken recipe posted here, what, two weeks ago? It turned out pretty damn good.

Posted by: Cow Demon at October 18, 2026 05:03 PM (aZEbd)

78 Small craft distillaries are all the rage now. Try to find one in your locale and go taste testing.

There’s one just north of me, in Edmonds. Scratch. Their botanical gins are very tasty. Some are very floral, better with tonic and a squeeze of grapefruit. Others are better with quality vermouth and GREEN OLIVES.

Posted by: nurse ratched at October 18, 2026 05:03 PM (yEz+x)

79 Video here of burned area at CFB Wainwright. Looks like an uncontrolled range fire to me.

https://www.smalldeadanimals.com/

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at October 18, 2026 05:04 PM (fWToy)

80 Or some bubonic chronic.

Posted by: Snoop Dogg at October 18, 2026 05:02 PM (JzUSu)

Then all you'll wanna do is hit Taco Bell and then take a nap.

Posted by: SpeakingOf at October 18, 2026 05:04 PM (6ydKt)

81 No vermouth and two pimentoed olives.

Posted by: Unkaren at October 18, 2026 05:04 PM (m6fGY)

82 Chuck Schumer and Hakeen Jefferies blame Trump for Europe on fire.

The Democrats said that if France was more Socialist then this would not happen.

President Obama also said that he was in charge in France that this would not happen because he would suppress the people wanting more freedom.

Posted by: CNN Breaking News at October 18, 2026 05:05 PM (jGtoG)

83 I mention him around my mother, she shudders in disgust and revulsion.

Posted by: Cow Demon at October 18, 2026 05:06 PM (aZEbd)

84 >>> 39 The hell?
Posted by: Weasel at October 18, 2026 04:34 PM (NfVjt)

I didn't do it.

Posted by: Helena Handbasket at October 18, 2026 05:06 PM (jb8Ss)

85 79 Video here of burned area at CFB Wainwright. Looks like an uncontrolled range fire to me.

https://www.smalldeadanimals.com/

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at October 18, 2026 05:04 PM (fWToy)

So the gas line/well theory is out?

Could be the fire spread and lit a well up?

Posted by: SpeakingOf at October 18, 2026 05:06 PM (6ydKt)

86 I have a juniper bush in my yard. Or maybe deadly nightshade. Not sure.
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon
----------
"Belladonna, also known as deadly nightshade, is used in some medicinal products for its antispasmodic properties, helping to relieve conditions like stomach cramps and bladder spasms."

See...just thing totake care of those pesky stomach cramps.

Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at October 18, 2026 05:08 PM (XeU6L)

87 So the gas line/well theory is out?

Could be the fire spread and lit a well up?
Posted by: SpeakingOf at October 18, 2026 05:06 PM (6ydKt)

If a grass fire could burn through a half-inch of steel plate making up the pipe wall, maybe? Alberta Gas Regulator said "no wells on the artillery range".

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at October 18, 2026 05:08 PM (fWToy)

88 Damned spacebar is getting flaky.

Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at October 18, 2026 05:08 PM (XeU6L)

89 I think Obama is genuinely the only ex-president I've ever seen who wouldn't shut his mouth after leaving office unless it was something official or an interview, etc.

He's opened his mouth again about Israel over in the UK accepting an honorary doctorate.

The main has no boundaries, no traditions he will adhere to.
Bowing m'f69ker.

Posted by: SpeakingOf at October 18, 2026 05:09 PM (6ydKt)

90 >>> 87 So the gas line/well theory is out?

Could be the fire spread and lit a well up?
Posted by: SpeakingOf at October 18, 2026 05:06 PM (6ydKt)

If a grass fire could burn through a half-inch of steel plate making up the pipe wall, maybe? Alberta Gas Regulator said "no wells on the artillery range".
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at October 18, 2026 05:08 PM (fWToy)

Fire can't melt steel!!!

Posted by: Rosie O'Duhnull at October 18, 2026 05:09 PM (jb8Ss)

91 If a grass fire could burn through a half-inch of steel plate making up the pipe wall, maybe? Alberta Gas Regulator said "no wells on the artillery range".

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at October 18, 2026 05:08 PM (fWToy)

So it had to be some munitions exploding, I guess.

Posted by: SpeakingOf at October 18, 2026 05:10 PM (6ydKt)

92 83 I mention him around my mother, she shudders in disgust and revulsion.
Posted by: Cow Demon at October 18, 2026 05:06 PM (aZEbd)

Should be “I mention gin”

Posted by: Cow Demon at October 18, 2026 05:11 PM (aZEbd)

93 My dad loved martinis and said that a good bottle of vermouth ought to last a man a lifetime.

Posted by: M. Gaga at October 18, 2026 05:11 PM (3p/KU)

94 None of you 'Rons have yet noticed the BOOBS at the top right of the picture?!
Posted by: Helena Handbasket at October 18, 2026 05:01 PM

Bulg doesn't usually hang out on the Food Thread.

Posted by: RedMindBlueState at October 18, 2026 05:11 PM (weWIX)

95
The Democrats said that if France was more Socialist then this would not happen.
-------

In other words, if only those Communards hadn't been put down, every would be rosy.

Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at October 18, 2026 05:12 PM (XeU6L)

96 All I saw were legs and wondered what CBD was eating tonight.

Posted by: SpeakingOf at October 18, 2026 05:12 PM (6ydKt)

97 So it had to be some munitions exploding, I guess.
Posted by: SpeakingOf at October 18, 2026 05:10 PM (6ydKt)

Maybe some artillery shells ready at the firing line? One would think the ammo in the bunkers would be protected from fire on the surface. That's why they have bunkers.

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at October 18, 2026 05:12 PM (fWToy)

98 94 None of you 'Rons have yet noticed the BOOBS at the top right of the picture?!
Posted by: Helena Handbasket at October 18, 2026 05:01 PM

Bulg doesn't usually hang out on the Food Thread.
Posted by: RedMindBlueState at October 18, 2026 05:11 PM (weWIX)

I’m distracted by everything else.

Posted by: Cow Demon at October 18, 2026 05:12 PM (aZEbd)

99 89 I think Obama is genuinely the only ex-president I've ever seen who wouldn't shut his mouth after leaving office unless it was something official or an interview, etc.

He's opened his mouth again about Israel over in the UK accepting an honorary doctorate.

Yea ...... Honorary Doctorate in Music for Mastering the "Skin Flute"....

Posted by: Jackson K. at October 18, 2026 05:13 PM (2WXOn)

100 I had someone suggest a Gin to me years ago that was heavily botanical. Like... it smelled of perfume, tasted worse. $60 bottle. I used it to kill weeds.

I'm old fashioned. Gin should taste like despair, maybe disappointment. Mostly both.

Posted by: Martini Farmer at October 18, 2026 05:13 PM (RORbl)

101 Obama and Hilderbeast are like VD......

They never go away and flare up at the worst time...

Posted by: Jackson K. at October 18, 2026 05:14 PM (2WXOn)

102 France is in need of a Charles Martel, but unfortunately all they've got left is Charlie Hebdo.

Posted by: SpeakingOf at October 18, 2026 05:14 PM (6ydKt)

103 Maybe some artillery shells ready at the firing line? One would think the ammo in the bunkers would be protected from fire on the surface. That's why they have bunkers.
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at October 18, 2026 05:12 PM (fWToy)

UXOs could have cooked off as well. This is why large portions of Camp Bullis, near San Antonio, are off limits.

Posted by: Cow Demon at October 18, 2026 05:14 PM (aZEbd)

104 If a grass fire could burn through a half-inch of steel plate making up the pipe wall, maybe?
------

Fire can't melt steel

Posted by: Rosie O'Donnell at October 18, 2026 05:15 PM (XeU6L)

105 If France wants Chocolate Jesus Barry Soetoro then they can have him as their SAVIOR !!!

I will pay for the First-Class ONE-WAY TICKET TO FRANCE anytime !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by: Jackson K. at October 18, 2026 05:16 PM (2WXOn)

106 Maybe some artillery shells ready at the firing line? One would think the ammo in the bunkers would be protected from fire on the surface. That's why they have bunkers.

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at October 18, 2026 05:12 PM (fWToy)

I just read first thing this morning that people nearby heard loud explosions and then the article speculated gas lines/wells.

The Mounties are investigating it also said.

Posted by: SpeakingOf at October 18, 2026 05:17 PM (6ydKt)

107 I'm old fashioned. Gin should taste like despair, maybe disappointment. Mostly both.
Posted by: Martini Farmer
--------

Sweaty Englishmen, wearing pith helmets, in the noonday sun.

Posted by: Rosie O'Donnell at October 18, 2026 05:17 PM (XeU6L)

108 Making a cheesesteak, peppers, onions, sauce, American cheese today

Posted by: Skip at October 18, 2026 05:17 PM (Ia/+0)

109 Moar LEGZ! Less LIQUOR! (say it with me, won'tchu … ?)

Posted by: Dr_No at October 18, 2026 05:17 PM (ayRl+)

110 I forget about Small Dead Animals. Should visit more.

Posted by: Mr Aspirin Factory at October 18, 2026 05:18 PM (8B4gm)

111 Which I found weird.
The RCMP investigating the military.

Here, I'm pretty sure the Army would be investigating itself.

I don't know, though.

Posted by: SpeakingOf at October 18, 2026 05:19 PM (6ydKt)

112 UXOs could have cooked off as well. This is why large portions of Camp Bullis, near San Antonio, are off limits.
Posted by: Cow Demon at October 18, 2026 05:14 PM (aZEbd),

Now there would be a good deal for illegals. "OK, Amigo, you drive this tractor for a month, tilling unexploded shells out of the soil, and we give you a thousand dollars and a green card. If you get blown up, we send 10 G's to your family in Guatemala. Or you can just leave right now. Choice is yours."

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at October 18, 2026 05:20 PM (fWToy)

113 110 I forget about Small Dead Animals. Should visit more.

Posted by: Mr Aspirin Factory at October 18, 2026 05:18 PM (8B4gm)

I read it several times a week.
It's a like-minded site.
Good to keep up with all things Canadian, too.

Posted by: SpeakingOf at October 18, 2026 05:20 PM (6ydKt)

114 The Alberta vote ends soon, right?
I thought I heard tomorrow.

Posted by: SpeakingOf at October 18, 2026 05:21 PM (6ydKt)

115 How many geigers can a Geiger Counter count?

Posted by: Tonypete at October 18, 2026 05:22 PM (V8Zwm)

116 What is the perfect size for a martini glass? We have them in three sizes. I like the waterline up about a half inch under the rim, and our smallest glasses take three full jiggers to reach that line.

Three is nice because at my sipping rate it's still nice and icy when I down the last of it. I mix at about 10 to 1 so the third jigger is maybe 2/3 full then in goes a little vermouth.

Couple of bleu cheese stuffed olives and it's a drink. I love to look at the drink when poured from the shaker, all those tiny chunks of ice swimming around like little fishies.

Our biggest are beautiful hand blown with a tasteful spray of blue bubbles in the glass, but they are 6-shot size. Drink two of those and you want to go over to the Chi Phi house for an orgy.

Lucy Craig says she had about ten shots of drinks at the Tri Delta house before going out to a couple of bars later and having one more, then a beer when getting with the boys at the house. Even with her three hour timeframe, starting at 8 at her own house and then snuggling up with the boys at 11, she would have blown about a 0.3 breathylizer. Wow! That's stupid drunk.

Posted by: M. Gaga at October 18, 2026 05:23 PM (3p/KU)

117 91 If a grass fire could burn through a half-inch of steel plate making up the pipe wall, maybe? Alberta Gas Regulator said "no wells on the artillery range".

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at October 18, 2026 05:08 PM (fWToy)

So it had to be some munitions exploding, I guess.
Posted by: SpeakingOf at October 18, 2026 05:10 PM (6ydKt)
___________________

I was thinking more along the lines that someone made a command decision to put out the grassfire caused by a live fire training. However, having no experience (both command and trainees) with wildfires, they went out in mass in personnel carriers and promptly learned what high, dry winds do with a wild fire....IE a "Burnover". The explosions were the fully fueled personnel carriers going off as they were over taken by the flames.

Posted by: Orson at October 18, 2026 05:23 PM (dIske)

118 @ 70 I'm not sure if I've ever tried gin, maybe, but too drunk to remember it. If gin is so bad how bad must bathtub gin be? It's a miracle we didn't have an epidemic of blindness during Prohibition.
Posted by: SpeakingOf at October 18, 2026 04:58 PM (6ydKt)
______________________________

There was much blindness - it just wasn't caused by bathtub gin (yu know the drill, Bueller … ).

Posted by: Dr_No at October 18, 2026 05:23 PM (ayRl+)

119 Oh, wow.
150+ injured in Canada.
I didn't see that number earlier.

Posted by: SpeakingOf at October 18, 2026 05:24 PM (6ydKt)

120 The Alberta vote ends soon, right?
I thought I heard tomorrow.
Posted by: SpeakingOf at October 18, 2026 05:21 PM (6ydKt)

Tomorrow is Voting Day for the referendum. Advance voting has ended; I did that last Wednesday, because MoMee. I should be home tomorrow, anyway, but would not want to lose out on voting because flight delayed or diverted. Wainwright tragedy might affect landings in Calgary.

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at October 18, 2026 05:24 PM (fWToy)

121 There was much blindness - it just wasn't caused by bathtub gin (yu know the drill, Bueller … ).

Posted by: Dr_No at October 18, 2026 05:23 PM (ayRl+)

Voodoo economics?

Posted by: SpeakingOf at October 18, 2026 05:25 PM (6ydKt)

122 Can't do martinis very often. I have a very refined palate. I only drink moonshine, ouzo, Aquavit, Strega and Annie Green Springs.

You have to die of something. . .

Posted by: Tonypete at October 18, 2026 05:25 PM (V8Zwm)

123 The explosions were the fully fueled personnel carriers going off as they were over taken by the flames.

Posted by: Orson at October 18, 2026 05:23 PM (dIske)

That'd be horrible.
I hope that's not what happened.

Posted by: SpeakingOf at October 18, 2026 05:26 PM (6ydKt)

124 I like beans, I like noodles and I like meat

chili

w/fries and cheeses

Posted by: what the cat drug in at October 18, 2026 05:26 PM (jrgJz)

125 > What is the perfect size for a martini glass?
---------
Relaxed... a few oz. 3 perhaps
Typical... 2x that
Tonight's.... a pint

The pool winterization was a bitch.

Posted by: Martini Farmer at October 18, 2026 05:26 PM (RORbl)

126 Tomorrow is Voting Day for the referendum. Advance voting has ended; I did that last Wednesday, because MoMee. I should be home tomorrow, anyway, but would not want to lose out on voting because flight delayed or diverted. Wainwright tragedy might affect landings in Calgary.

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at October 18, 2026 05:24 PM (fWToy)

And it'll take several hours for the results?

I haven't seen Canada taking California time to count votes, I don't think.

Posted by: SpeakingOf at October 18, 2026 05:27 PM (6ydKt)

127 I was thinking more along the lines that someone made a command decision to put out the grassfire caused by a live fire training. However, having no experience (both command and trainees) with wildfires, they went out in mass in personnel carriers and promptly learned what high, dry winds do with a wild fire....IE a "Burnover". The explosions were the fully fueled personnel carriers going off as they were over taken by the flames.
Posted by: Orson at October 18, 2026 05:23 PM (dIske)

Sounds quite possible. Military is very good at throwing lots of men at a problem. Not so good at having men trained to deal with a problem beyond their normal skill set.

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at October 18, 2026 05:27 PM (fWToy)

128 You'd think an artillery unit might have a trained firefighting team but what do I know.

Posted by: SpeakingOf at October 18, 2026 05:29 PM (6ydKt)

129 @ 117 91 If a grass fire could burn through a half-inch of steel plate making up the pipe wall, maybe? Alberta Gas Regulator said "no wells on the artillery range".
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at October 18, 2026 05:08 PM
___________________

I was thinking more along the lines that someone made a command decision to put out the grassfire caused by a live fire training. However, having no experience (both command and trainees) with wildfires, they went out in mass in personnel carriers and promptly learned what high, dry winds do with a wildfire ... IE a "Burnover". The explosions were the fully fueled personnel carriers going off as they were over taken by the flames. Posted by: Orson at October 18, 2026 05:23 PM(dIske)
___________________

In the ’60s during a Field Exercise, our effin' Battalion 'Cmdr' drove around in a WWII half-track - in thigh-high DRY grass - tossing effing thermite grenades into the bush to 'enhance' the natural fire. I still hate that mofo … lotta guys went to the Aid Station 'cos of his sorry ass. Some went to hospital …

Posted by: Dr_No at October 18, 2026 05:31 PM (ayRl+)

130 128 You'd think an artillery unit might have a trained firefighting team but what do I know.
Posted by: SpeakingOf at October 18, 2026 05:29 PM (6ydKt)

________________________

We're talking about the same military who did a joint exercise in Alaska recently with the US, and forty of their guys acquired severe frostbite due to poor cold weather gear....Canada...poor cold weather gear. What does that tell you about their current status?

Posted by: Orson at October 18, 2026 05:31 PM (dIske)

131 There was a field fire here a couple years ago. In the span of 15 minutes it consumed 3 sq. miles of pasture that was all dry.

The wind helped. A lot.

Posted by: Martini Farmer at October 18, 2026 05:32 PM (RORbl)

132 I like the martini glasses that are triangular with no stems and the bottom sits in a little fish bowl of ice.

Warm gin is disgusting. Gotta be super cold.

Posted by: nurse ratched at October 18, 2026 05:33 PM (yEz+x)

133 You'd think an artillery unit might have a trained firefighting team but what do I know.
Posted by: SpeakingOf at October 18, 2026 05:29 PM (6ydKt)

Even well-trained veteran wildfire fighters can be overwhelmed when the fire 'tops".

Check out a song by Alberta folksinger James Keelaghan, "Cold Missouri Waters", describing a fire tragedy in Montana, circa 1949.

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at October 18, 2026 05:33 PM (fWToy)

134 You all are making this difficult. A popcorn dinner obviously requires a white wine. But I have...not given up alcohol, but paused...and you are tempting me.

Shame.

Posted by: Wenda at October 18, 2026 05:34 PM (J5E68)

135 .Canada...poor cold weather gear. What does that tell you about their current status?

Posted by: Orson at October 18, 2026 05:31 PM (dIske)

I know they've neglected their military but I didn't know that.

Yes, that's terrible.
Canada should honestly have one of the best cold weather/Arctic troops on the planet.
They did great in WWII, but like Europe they've neglected it for social programs.

Posted by: SpeakingOf at October 18, 2026 05:34 PM (6ydKt)

136 I know for a fact that Camp Pendleton has their own well trained fire force for wildfires. Just a few days ago, they had a wildfire approaching the base. They jumped into action, and a number of base evacuations took place.

No casualties.

Posted by: Orson at October 18, 2026 05:37 PM (dIske)

137 Check out a song by Alberta folksinger James Keelaghan, "Cold Missouri Waters", describing a fire tragedy in Montana, circa 1949.

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at October 18, 2026 05:33 PM (fWToy)

https://youtu.be/eGVb1lj-3hc

Posted by: SpeakingOf at October 18, 2026 05:38 PM (6ydKt)

138 Yes, that's terrible.
Canada should honestly have one of the best cold weather/Arctic troops on the planet.
They did great in WWII, but like Europe they've neglected it for social programs.
Posted by: SpeakingOf at October 18, 2026 05:34 PM (6ydKt)

We should have Special Forces troops mounted on silent electric snowmobiles powered by disposable single-use batteries. Each vehicle can carry with it enough batteries for 400 miles of use; replenish forward units by air-dropped batteries.

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at October 18, 2026 05:39 PM (fWToy)

139 131 There was a field fire here a couple years ago. In the span of 15 minutes it consumed 3 sq. miles of pasture that was all dry.

The wind helped. A lot.

Posted by: Martini Farmer at October 18, 2026 05:32 PM (RORbl)

My nephew lost his ranch to the recent North Texas wildfires. Was notified at 4:30 am, and by 5:00, 1500 acres, the house, three barns, and all the feed and hay were gone, in addition to half his cattle herd. Thankfully, his horses were okay. It was so dry, there was no water to fight with. And wind is not your friend in these situations.

Posted by: moki at October 18, 2026 05:39 PM (wLjpr)

140 Military ranges, particularly those that are for arty or bombing, catch fire fairly often, because well, bombs and shells. Most (I would say all) places that have said ranges also have fire departments, but range fires have the extra hazard of unexploded ordnance, so the fire response proceeds with caution. The key is not conducting range activities when the conditions are going to make the fire blow up, in addition to the ordnance.

Posted by: Ex Rex Reeder at October 18, 2026 05:42 PM (QaH55)

141 We should have Special Forces troops mounted on silent electric snowmobiles powered by disposable single-use batteries. Each vehicle can carry with it enough batteries for 400 miles of use; replenish forward units by air-dropped batteries.
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at October 18, 2026 05:39 PM (fWToy)

____________________________

Yeah, maybe shovel some of that money used to put tampon dispensers in the men's barracks towards that.

Posted by: Orson at October 18, 2026 05:43 PM (dIske)

142 Last martini adventure I had was several years back at a steakhouse in Encino. A colleague was in town and my friend drove down to his hotel near LAX to bring him up. I arrived on time and sat at the bar and figured the perfect pre-steak cocktail would be a martini. I waved off all the gin and vermouth options. Just build it from what you have on the bottom shelf.

It wasn't bad. Halfway in, I get a text from my buddy that traffic on the 405 is horrendous. Might be another hour. I finish the martini, and, no update from my friend, I ordered another. Halfway in again, they show up. Colleague insists on doing a shot at the bar before heading to our table. I've had nothing to eat, and don't recall navigating from bar to table.

I recall the steak was wonderful, and I shied away from the wine knowing my liver was working overtime on the gin. Made it through dinner and hit a cigar place. I ordered a Buffalo Trace neat, knowing full well I'd never even start it, and excused myself to the mens room, where I did a remarkable Mr. Creosote impression. Fortunately there was no audience to critique my performance...

Posted by: Joe Kidd at October 18, 2026 05:43 PM (08OqX)

143 CBD, my contribution to the gin martini thread.

Trust me (ok, no one knows me, don't trust me as I don't care in current mood dealing with a sister-in-law who may be the weirdest of all time).

I used to go with my dude to NYC often on business. We took sons and DIL as well after they graduated college for the theater and food. Always stayed at the same hotel in the Upper West Side, before the invasion of barbarians.

Often ate dinners at the now closed Ouest, as we could walk there and other places (Zabar's).

Their house martini is the best I have ever had. Shaken, not stirried. No comprison. Very high octane gin and basically legal anesthesia. Flyin' high, very happy, with no regrets the next day.

I think it is pure nectar from the Martini World Festival (I made this part up).

Here's the recipe I've saved:

The Ouest Martini is made with four ounces of Junipero
gin and a splash of King Eider vermouth served in the
shaker with a 10-ounce Martini glass. The restaurant
uses onion-stuffed olives as garnish.

Simply the best.

Posted by: ChristyBlinkyTheGreat at October 18, 2026 05:43 PM (hzuYO)

144 We should have Special Forces troops mounted on silent electric snowmobiles powered by disposable single-use batteries. Each vehicle can carry with it enough batteries for 400 miles of use; replenish forward units by air-dropped batteries.
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon
-------
[recollects *very* funny spoof ad for Mercedes EV]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3AlndKQSs6Q

Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at October 18, 2026 05:44 PM (XeU6L)

145 It's one of those days when I long for spell check.

However, to complete my I DON'T REALLY CARE, MARGARET mood, it can't be corrected.

Posted by: ChristyBlinkyTheGreat at October 18, 2026 05:47 PM (hzuYO)

146 Hah! Wasn't that Julia-Louise Dreyfuss?

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at October 18, 2026 05:48 PM (fWToy)

147

Duty now for the future.

https://t.ly/6zolS

Posted by: Bertram Cabot, Jr. at October 18, 2026 05:51 PM (Cqx++)

148 I was thinking of the lithium primary batteries as used to be used in aircraft emergency locator beacons. They were very light weight, and put out steady power right up until they didn't. They used them in downhole oil tools, too.

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at October 18, 2026 05:52 PM (fWToy)

149 We should have Special Forces troops mounted on silent electric snowmobiles powered by disposable single-use batteries. Each vehicle can carry with it enough batteries for 400 miles of use; replenish forward units by air-dropped batteries.

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at October 18, 2026 05:39 PM (fWToy)

They need you as Defense Minister.

Posted by: SpeakingOf at October 18, 2026 05:53 PM (6ydKt)

150 Tonight's.... a pint"

It comes in pints?

Posted by: man at October 18, 2026 05:54 PM (pfXMo)

151
Error up top that may have already been corrected.

The Martinez Cocktail is not the Martini.

They are two distinct drinks though, yes, the Martini is thought to be derived from the Martinez Cocktail.

Martinez Cocktail
1.5 oz Old Tom Gin
1.5 oz Red Vermouth
.25 oz Luxardo Maraschino liqueur
2 dash Orange Bitters
Shake, strain
Express Orange peel over drink
Garnish with cherry

Posted by: naturalfake at October 18, 2026 05:54 PM (YSUhf)

152
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon

They need you as Defense Minister.
Posted by: SpeakingOf

War Chief

Posted by: Bertram Cabot, Jr. at October 18, 2026 05:54 PM (Cqx++)

153 Also at Small Dead Animals, in Italy pork products are off limit in school menus.
Which reminds me when in Germany in 1980 during 1 couple weeks temporary duty we were at a German base so lunch every dayvwas what the Germans got for their lunch. I think every day almost was pork in some form or another.
Bet that isn't on the menu there either

Posted by: Skip at October 18, 2026 05:57 PM (Ia/+0)

154 AOP is right, imagine if they'd put some of that money they used on expanding social programs and now on immigrants on the military, especially some R&D and homegrown military contractors making good equipment.

Canada can do all of those things.
They just chose not to, mainly because of the Trudeaus.

Posted by: SpeakingOf at October 18, 2026 05:57 PM (6ydKt)

155 Hah! Wasn't that Julia-Louise Dreyfuss?
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon
------

Yup. Perhaps better remembered for her Rolling Stone nude cover.

Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at October 18, 2026 05:58 PM (XeU6L)

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