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Solo retreats

Guest blogger Ben Boudreau is the local community manager for Yelp.com, a website featuring restaurant reviews by ordinary diners.

We’re well into September. Traffic is back in full force, months of election talk are starting to drag, and we’re probably just days away from annoying Christmas countdowns via social media. So, is anyone else looking for some peace and quiet?

Let’s be honest, we’ve all earned some downtime after a flat-out summer of socialization. Why not treat yourself to a solo retreat that’s a little more realistic than Eat, Pray, Love?

Being a city full of crave-worthy coffee has turned most java hotspots into a bit of a scene. Go off the grid with a South End sip at Trident Booksellers and Café. With roughly six blends roasted in-house, you’ll have a cup of quality without the crowd. John B explains: “You are generally not welcome here if you want to have a lively debate or get-together with a group of friends.” The Trident specialty? “Enjoying a java and sinking into your reading material of choice (even better if that material doesn’t have an LCD screen).” Bring along your favourite book, or score a second-hand favourite off the shelves just steps away. Read, relax and repeat.

If you’re pining for a personal cave of solitude, find one and fill it with your favourite fusion sushi at Fujiyama. The location, complete with table-sized caves, is a landmark for Haligonians in the know, like Melanie M. “I have fond memories of the old La Cave, so this place holds a bit of nostalgia for me,” she says. “Fujiyama has used the space well. You can find nooks and crannies for an intimate dinner date.” Or, you know, a reclusive night to yourself with fantastic rolls like the “deep fried spicy salmon roll with spicy mayo and honey wasabi. It is the stuff sushi dreams are made of,” she says. No one will even see you struggle with your chop sticks.

Make a night of it at The Press Gang. Andrew P “could not get over how truly intimate the restaurant was. A pianist played light classics in the main area illuminated by soft light. It truly was magical.” Whether you saddle up to the bar to shuck local oysters or indulge in specials like “rosemary spiced ostrich in a Jack Daniels sauce on a bed of German spaetzle,” co-diners will be too busy trying to spot celebrity customers to bother you with small talk. Pro tip: keep an eye on the table “behind a curtain in a secluded corner” if you’re looking for Hollywood’s hungriest.

Be good to yourselves out there and remember: the free Yelp mobile app is the only friend you need some days. Happy hiding!

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