After going all-in with the "bow in the vague direction of France" portion of vermouth, I actually believe a good balance of gin and vermouth creates the perfect martini.

2 parts Cap Rock or Damrak gib
1 part Catoctin creek gin
1 part dry vermouth (Dolin)
2 dashes olive brine
1 dash Clear Creek Douglas Fir Eau-de-vie - optional

Shake with cracked ice, strain and pour into a cocktail glass.

Garnish with an olive or two on a skewer, or cocktail onions for a gibson. The Columbia Room serves their signature martini with a twist and a dash of orange bitters.

Some variants on the martini by famous folk: http://www.mentalfloss.com/blogs/archives/20029

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martini_(cocktail)

Tom Lehrer closes out his "Bright College Days" song with a memorable chant -- "Hearts full of youth! Hearts full of truth! Six parts gin to one part vermouth!"