The Ritz scored at the bottom of the pack, separated only by an academic 1/2 point from the lowly Top of the Mark. Sad to say, but this is not entirely out of character with our recent experiences with this establishment which, in spite of its reputation, offers little to the lover of Bond.  

Key weaknesses in the Ritz experience included the use of cheap Smirnoff vodka. (Remember that we left the choice of vodka to the bartender.)  Our server Valentine was simply neutral, but when she delivered martinis with wedges of lemon in them, things turned downright negative, well before the first sip crossed our lips.

The Ritz lobby lounge is a good setting in many ways, and would get high marks for ambience and quiet elegance.  If they could only make a martini that didn't burn with the taste of mediocre vodka and served at something too close to room temperature.  

Ironically, the Ritz actually lists a "007 Martini" on one of their drink menus, but we were informed that could only be had on the Club Level reserved for well-heeled guests and not available to the four most lavish drinkers in San Francisco.

Cmdrs. Morse and Griffin discuss the merits of lemon wedges in a martini, and find few.

The Ritz-Carlton martini was unfortunately
not worthy of the room.