Ted's perspective on taste were refined evermore on Christmas Eve 1949. Joining bridge partner Joseph Eichler, Ted first met Charles and Ray Eames at their just completed Case Study House No. 8. "Enraptured by the couple and their spellbinding carriage", not until "well in the cups" did Ted realized the cocktail he had enjoyed so carelessly was without precedent. Pressing Ray for the brand he was rebuffed, "The gin? Puffer's of course. But the spirit is not the signature." Ted later stumbled upon the secret - an empty bottle of San Pellegrino - while hovering over the rubbish bin revisiting the evening's meal.