Modern Masters is first and foremost Torsten Spuhn. Google it, and you'll get an idea. I was in Erfurt for work and have a few favorite haunts already, but I had never made it inside MM or knew anything about it until I was brought there by a colleague. It was artistry at work. Watching Torsten Spuhn mix or invent a cocktail is like watching a virtuoso musician on stage. Most of his patrons don't order drinks as much as they let Torsten decide, after a few probing questions, what is the best drink to fit their mood. The way he imagines the colors on the palate is uncanny. Certain drinks will be served with certain specific snacks, nuts, sweets, or other, with a prescription of the order in which to sip, eat, swallow. Liquid gastronomy at its best. And hearing him tell the stories behind his international award-winning cocktails, while artfully creating the next drink for the next customer, is quite an experience. Even his staff will stand around in awe every time he suggests he is going to try something new. It is really "The Torsten Show" and he revels in it; as will you. By the way, if I didn't mention it, he has gotten me right every time I have been in. Downside, cash-only and the drinks are not cheap. Think of it as liquid dinner and a show. read more

This bar looks alright, but the music was bad and the service was worse. It took me ages to get the bill and then to manage to pay. I only owed a little over a pound. And then the beer. I bet neither the duck nor the stone are especially happy that their name has been given to the Duckstein Dunkel. It was the worst dark beer I had in Germany. I hear that the bar is all about its cocktails so I guess that list is where to look for a decent drink. I guess it serves me right for taking a chance on a random place I hadn't heard of. Occasionally it pays off but this was SO not one of these occasions. And what is with the name? 2 English words that do not belong anywhere in relation with this establishment. read more