West End Gem: Bonobo

The plan for last rainy Thursday went something like 1. Walk to the Old Port for errands before it pours. 2. Watch season two of "Entourage" on Netflix. 3. Cruise Craig's List for an hour. 4. Work out at Core Solution's Boot Camp (side plank, jump rope, side plank, kettle bell, resistance sprinting, punching bag, chin-ups... Oh god, I'm gonna puke). 5. Shower off the stank. 6. Review Bonobo. 7. Maybe finish season two of "Entourage" if I didn't get sleepy from drinking too much.

By the time I got home from Trainer Joe kicking my ass, my muscles were jello and I was exhausted. Eating pizza and drinking beer was - for the first time - the last thing I wanted to do. But, of course, I will always muster up the will to drink. It's my job.

While Bonobo is just a few blocks from my home, I pathetically drove to the corner of Pine and Brackett. I dragged myself through the door and plumped onto the not-so-comfy stool. With little energy to pick up the paper menu, I cruised the drink menu instead, asking Chef Boyfriend to choose the pizza.

The draft menu (which changes regularly) consisted of Long Trail Double Bag Ale, Bar Harbor Real Ale, Rogue Chocolate Stout, Dogfish 60 Minute IPA, Stella, Brooklyn Lager and Maudite Belgian Style ($4.25-6). I wanted a Belgian, but not Maudite. I almost ordered the Stella, which I didn't really want, and then I saw the bottled beer list: Old Engine Oil Black Ale, Hooker Hop Meadow IPA, Pacifico Clara, Pilsner, Red Stripe, Delirium Tremens, Peaks Organic Pale Ale, Peaks Organic Amber Ale and Mocha Porter ($3.75-7.50). I ordered a Delirium, a beer I adore and rarely find in bars.

While Chef Boyfriend ordered 1/2 Gruyere and 1/2 Taleggio pizza, I took a minute to really look around. I was so concerned with getting my tush in a stool that I missed the charming ambiance. A Camera Obscura song was faintly heard. Landscapes spiced up the simple walls. Candles, low lamps and white stringed lights warmly lit the foyer, dining room and bar creating just enough light to get lost in your favorite newspaper or book while you munch on what Gary, a regular customer, says is "arguable the best salad. They even have the courage to put pickles on it. Good pickles!"

He also said their wood-fired pizza is unbeatable. And he's right. Everything is freshly made and they offer gourmet organic combinations (Taleggio cheese, smoke roasted tomato, leeks, garlic butter and arugula salad - and that's just one pizza) you won't find anywhere. I know, you thought Flatbread had the best pizza, right? Bonobo is upping the standards. Seriously, friends, check out the menu. And then eat that deliciousness.

Bonobo puts to shame the pizza place that preceeded them with their upscale pizzas, beer selection and pops. Yes, they have an extensive pop menu with six flavors of Maine Root, Vermont Sweetwater, "Pop Soda" with honey and sugar, Moxie and more ($1.50-3.25). Plus there are nine different waters, desserts, wines, champagne and Mead! The more I learned about Bonobo the more I fell in love with the place.

I forgot I was so exhausted and sore and melted into the laid back atmosphere. The regulars put down their papers and engaged in conversation with me and Chef Boyfriend. We ordered another beer and finished every crumb of our pizza. It was then I realized Bonobo was like a really good muscle relaxer. The one that makes you smile wryly and forget you were whining about everything twenty minutes ago.

We left talking about how ridiculously good the pizza was and how we'd had a great time. What I most like is the place really encompasses the West End's charm and leisurely living. It's existence makes the neighborhood a better place and it makes me proud of where I live.