drinks.eats.stays

Echigo Yuzawa..a little known treasure just an hour from Tokyo

2010-02-09T20:29:00.000-08:00

Ok so Yuzawa is not entirely unknown but it does fly well under the average tourist radar.

This quaint, sleepy town has buckets of old world charm (and buckets of snow in winter) and is approximatly an hour from Tokyo via the Shinkansan (bullet train) in the Chuetsu region of the Niigata Prefecture.

My husband and I arrived for a 5 night stay and I think we were possibly the only westerners in town. This town does have its fair share of tourists, but it would appear they are mostly Japanese tourists.

It is quite a traditional town and aside a few modern hotels, Yuzawa is perhaps not too dissimilar now to the Yuzawa of 50 years ago. This is definitly a huge part of its charm!

You should visit Yuzawa for a number of reasons; the scenery, the peace and quiet, the wonderful traditional food but one of the main reasons to visit is for its' snow..and the snowfall is incredible! The 24 hour record snowfall is 2.32 meters which fell in 1986 and there are 20 (yes 20!) snow resorts around this area.

Yuzawa is also well known for having some of the purest, cleanest water in Japan. This translates to quality produce and the Japanese flock here for some of the finest rice & Sake Japan has to offer!

During the warmer months you can go trekking, fishing or visit one of the many natural hot springs.

STAYS @ NASPA New Otani Hotel

NASPA New Otani Hotel

This large, luxury hotel is just a few minutes walk into town. The rooms are very spacious and light. Ours had a lovely large window that opened up to views of the surrounding Alps. The western rooms are perhaps in need of a little update to bring them firmly into the year 2010, but they are clean, tasteful, big and very comfortable.

Facilities onsite include bars, karaoke rooms, casual and fine dining restaurants, onsen and more.

If you are here to ski or snowboard, they have a free shuttle that runs to surrounding resorts during peak season and if you are a skier (sorry my fellow snowboarders) you can also ski on the hotels very own ski slope which is situated to the rear of the hotel. Having said that, the resorts around the area are world class so make sure you venture out!

The staff at NASPA speak just enough english and they are extremely friendly and helpful. We arrived late in the snow season and even though the free shuttle was no longer operating, they offered to drive us to the resorts upon request! A simple phone call from the resort at the end of our day would also get us a ride back ... now that is good service if you ask me!

EATS @ Sensaiya Restaurant

Sensaiya Restaurant

Sensaiya is a great little 'Iizakaya' style restaurant in town. Iizakya is basically a Japanese drinking establishment that serves food as a side - but don't think for a second that the food menu will be small and unsubstantial!
There are many options in town however and most of them are small, authentic, family run busiesses with great food, so just pick one you like the look off and I am sure you wont be disappointed! Just make sure have a phrase book or iphone app available to assist with ordering as English speaking staff and menus are rare.

Thee hotel also has a range of restaruants and they are all worth a try.

DRINKS @ from a vending machine, or head to Bottle Bar

Bottle Bar

I love Japan! .. and one of the most novel and exciting aspects is the fact you can get just about anything you need out of a vending machine and that they are everywhere, even in the hotel corridors. After a long day on the slopes sometimes the last thing you want to do is go out, so you can easily just step outside your hotel room door and grab a can (or 2 or 3) of Asahi from the vending machine.

If you do want to head out for a few drinks, the most popular bar in town is Bottle Bar. It is usually filled with Japanese skiers and snowboarders enjoying a game of pool, drinking beers from around the world or sitting back and enjoying one of the many Tokyo DJs they bring in.

TIP!

The Japanese like to go out drinking after dinner so dont expect the bars to pumping prior to 11pm!

MORE Info

Beacuse Yuzawa is not all that well known around the western tourist scene websites and information on this town ... forget it, very very hard to come by! The best (and possibly the only) website that caters to western tourists and has a good range of services is http://www.welovesnow.com/ . The guys that run this site are British Expats (I think??) but having been living in Yuzawa for many many years. They can assist you with your accomodation bookings and lift passes. And if anyone out there finds or knows of another good site, post me a comment, I would love to check it out.

Luxe in Los Cabos .. Mexico

2010-02-07T15:44:00.000-08:00

Los Cabos or 'Cabo' as it is affectionately called, is located at the southern tip of Mexico's Baja California Peninsula.

Unlike Mexico's famous party town, Cancun, Cabo's focus is more tastefully directed towards private, 5 star relaxation & luxury. Although you can still party here!

It's close proximity to LA (2 hour flight) and range of new 5 star luxury resorts along the corridor has put it in high demand not only with us common people, but also with Hollywood A listers (Brangelina have been snapped here along with past Presidents of the USA , Britney & Clooney - just to name a few)

Cabo was the first stop on our 'round the world' honeymoon tour and we were desperate to soak up as much of Cabo's 300-350, warm, 26 degree sunny days as luxiously as we possibly could - so of course, we went luxe!

After loads of research, we found the newest most luxe resort on the corridor at the time, Cabo Azul Resort & Spa and we never looked back! It was THE ultimate beachside getaway!

QUICK, IMPORTANT TIP

Pre-arrange a pick up from the airport to your hotel

through the concierge at your hotel or booking agent at least 48hrs prior. They should offer you a shared van for around $13 US per person, your own private van for around $60US, or at the very least they will organise for a cab for you on arrival.

Reason: SJD airport is home to many persistant time share representatives. They will be waiting at the exit and offer you a ride for around the same cost however you will have to wait around until they fill every seat in their van and you will have to commit to a time share meeting the next day. (yuk! a meeting while on vacation?? - no no no thank you)

STAYS @ Cabo Azul Resort & Spa

http://www.caboazulresort.com/

Cabo Azul Resort & Spa and was absolutely incredible! (We loved it so much we are heading back in just a few weeks for our anniversary!) The smallest villa is a one bedroom (approx $250-280 AU) and it is huuuge. If you are travelling with friends or family there are 2 & 3 bedroom villas as well as various penthouses available.

The rooms are both elegant and functional and include a full kitchen, walk in robe, spa bath, lounge room, dining room and a private terrace.

We received an upgrade upon check in, and my husband and I returned one evening to a dimly lit room, the spa filled, bed scattered rose petals and our bath towels transformed into two swans joined together into the shape of a love heart! Awwww... :)

All i can say is if you are thinking of going Cabo, GO! ..and STAYS @ CABO AZUL will be everything you need and more!

EATS @ Javier's Cabo Azul

This stunning restaurant overlooking the sea serves authentic Mexican cuisine at its absolute best!

If you have never eaten authentic Mexican cuisine than you are in for a treat! It is very healthy, fresh and full of the most incredible flavors. It is nothing like its western equivalent in any way, shape or form.

DRINKS by the pool @ Cabo Azul

Laze by the pool on a day bed, in a cabana, or on a lounge and be served cocktails for around $6-8 AU. My diet consisted mainly of Pina Coladas and Margaritas; and my husband, Coronas.

If you prefer a little more privacy, then you can relax on your own private terrace at sundown when Cabo Azuls pool and grounds come alive with atmosphere & beautiful open fire pits. You can stock your fridge with drinks & snacks from the on-site market deli or convenience store.

OTHER ACTIVITIES

There are a whole range of activities on offer in Cabo. We opted for a Sunset Cruise from Cabo San Lucas for around $35 AU (when booked online). Check out Cabo Eco Tours. You will set sail for 2 1/2 hours during which time you can take advantage of the open bar (yes $35 gets you cocktails, beers, wines for your entire trip), and just sit back, relax and enjoy the breeze and the views. You can also pay a little extra and have dinner included.

Another tour which we have booked for our trip to Cabo in a couple of weeks time is through Baja Outback and includes a hotel pick up in a Hummer, a drive and hike through the Sierra La Laguna Canyons, a swim in a natural rock pool and lunch with a local family in their home. They will where they will teach you how to handmake tortillas.

Stay tuned for a blog on our 2nd visit to Cabo when I return.

Tokyo Japan ... no place like it

2010-02-04T17:59:00.000-08:00

We cannot speak anymore highly of Japan. My husband and I have been to Japan only twice, but it already feels like home. We will continue to frequent this amazing place for so so many reasons. It is immensly diverse - from the quirky bright lights, people and skyscarppers of Tokyo to the traditional smaller japanese towns such as Yuzawa which is only an hours ride on the Shinkansan (bullet train) - you just cannot go wrong in Japan!

A FEW QUICK TIPS

Buy a Japan Rail pass

if you are planning on traveling long distance. Road tolls in japan can be very expensive (up to $80 per toll so I am told) and single or return trips on the bullet trains are almost half the cost of an unlimited 5 day pass. You will need to purchase this before you arrive in Japan and have it validated on arrival.

Japan Rail

English

It is not as commonly spoken as you would think but the locals do their absolute best to assist if you if you do ask for help. On a couple of occasions when we asked for directions, the locals ended up personally guiding us to our destination as they felt they could not communicate it well enough. They are very polite!

Dont go to Roppongi

unless you want to feel as though you are in Tokyo town in the US or the UK and not actually Tokyo Japan.

Walk & Wander

Pick a stop off the Subway, Metro or JR line and wander the streets. The shops in Japan never seem to end and the streets are cute. Japan is also extremly safe.

Remember to look & venture upwards

Shops and food dont stop at street level in Japan.

EAT EAT EAT DRINK DRINK DRINK

The food in Japan is A.MA.ZING! and the BEER!! oh the BEER! Kirin on tap is my personal favorite, but some will argue the best is Asahi. Both are well worth a try..with every meal! Or grab them from a vending machine.

If your local currency is good against the YEN expect eats and drinks to be very affordable. Cocktails are around 500 YEN - which converted can end up between $6-8. A delicous bowl of Raman with Tempura Prawns can be easily found for around 800 YEN - $10-12!

GO to a Seven Eleven (yes 7/11)

Dont ask why, just go! Trust us!

STAYS @ GRANBELL HOTEL SHIBUYA

http://www.granbellhotel.jp/

You would expect that in a city like Japan there would be an abundant array of stylish small boutique hotels on offer in great locations, but suprisingly this is not the case. This hotel is a great find as it ticks all the right boxes. It is about as central (next to Shibuya station) and as stylish as you will get for the price in this big city. Rooms are very cool and the design of the hotel is very chic with clean lines and modern touches.

Remember that hotel rooms in Japan are small at the best of times and if a large spacious room is a must have, you will need to pay top dollar. (Look at staying at the Park Hyatt Tokyo - you will recognise its top floor piano bar from the movie Lost in Transalation starting Scarlett Johansson & Bill Murray. Expect to pay from $500 AU per room upwards)

The Granbell on the other hand is around $140AU per night and you can find ample space in their double rooms, but expect the single rooms to be a little cozier.

**photo compliments of Granbell Hotel Shibuya

EATS @ CHA CHA HANA

Shinjuku Sanchome 03-5292-2933

This great little restaurant has some of the finest food in Japan, in fact it has some of the finest Japanese food I have had full stop. Dinner for 2 including Sake will set you back around $40 - $50 AU.

When you arrive, walk along a lovely tree lined path and keep your eyes open for a sign with a hand-written 花 kanji on it. Here you will find steppingstones, at this point cross a narrow path to the restaurants door.

I would suggest asking your hotel to call and reserve a table for you as this is a very popular restaurant, espeically with the locals.

**Photo compliments of Cha Cha Hana

DRINKS @ BLACK ROSE

Yamachu Kaumicho Bldg ,6F, 3-24-19 Nishi Azabu (3405-0991)

Straight up, this is not your average bar. This is a quirky Japanese bar themed on S&M. Its dark interior has been tastefully designed by Masami Matsui and it includes its very own hydraulic stage which is used for dance performaces to the sounds soft rock (think Bon Jovi). It is totally harmless and light hearted. There is no nudity, but you can ask for a light (or hard) whipping or a drop of candle wax on your wrist from your hostess on the night. Head here to experience something new and exciting and something you may only find in Japan.

Again I would suggest you asking your hotel for assistance. Ask them to book you a cab and personally direct the driver to the destination (in Japanese) if possible.

When you arrive enter the Yamachu Kaumicho Bldg continue up to the 6th Floor. Expect to pay table service on entry, but this includes a hostess and from memory a couple of drinks.

SHOP

There are endless shops in Tokyo, and all worth a mention. I would not recommend leaving Tokyo without visiting the world famous Harajuku & Shibuya districts.

If you are staying at the Granbell hotel you can quite easily walk from Shibuya to Harajuku as the shops between the two districts merge seemlesly together. You can also take the train to Harajuku station - if not there, back. (After you are tied and your hands and arms are heavy with purchases)

If you are in Japan because you like the idea of there being over 700 snow resorts to visit, then the snowboarding district in Tokyo will be a mind blowing experience and well worth the visit. Imgaine an entire street lined with shops that only cater to snow sports. I am not sure how many there are; but I would think at least a couple of hundred!

It is easy to find so long as you catch the correct train line. Catch the subway to Ogawamachi Station and you are on top of it. Take the JR line, and forget it, you will get lost! This is the best map I have found.

GET OUT OF THE CITY FOR A DAY

TATEYAMA KUROBE ALPINE ROUTE
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e7550.html

There are loads of day trips you can do from Tokyo via the Shinkansan. The Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route is one interesting day trip off the beaten path. It is only accessible in Spring, Summer and Autumn as there is far too much snow in Winter for it to be accessible.

The main attaction of this trip is the breathtaking scenery of the Tateyama Mountain Range which part of the Chubu Sangaku National Park. The highlight here is an incredible up to 20 meter high snow corridor. (If you want to visit in summer and autumn, there are many beautiful hiking trails and alpine flowers)

We visited after the worst winter Japan has seen in 100 years and it was still a staggering 13 meters high. There is plenty of lovey scenery along the way (and it is a long day) but well worth it for an experience as you wont find one similar anywhere else in the world.

OTHER CITIES AND TOWNS

Stay tuned for more information on Kyoto, Yuzawa & Hakuba.

NEW YORK CITY ..... a very cool city

2010-02-04T03:33:00.000-08:00

New York City! What more can I say but I love NYC. Its most definitely one of THE coolest cities in the world and there are so many great drinks, eats and stays that I just don't know where to start. .. but here goes.

QUICK TRAVEL TIPS

Take a super shuttle from JFK airport

Direct to your hotel from US $15-19. No booking required just head to your nearest exit and ask a customer service representative

Rug up for winter and early spring

When i said this is a very cool city, i meant it in more ways then one! My husband and I frequent cold places for snowboarding and NYC came very close to being just as cold in Spring as the Japanese Alps in the dead of Winter!

Be prepared to walk and catch the subway

Its hands down the best way to see the city..unless traffic jams & road rage is your thing.

STAYS @ SMYTH TRIBECA

http://www.thompsonhotels.com/

The Smyth Hotel Tribeca is part of the Thompson Hotels group who have a whole range of luxury design hotels scattered across the USA. This hotel in particular was designed by the famed Yabu Pushelberg.

From the moment we arrived we were welcomed by friendly staff in stylish black attire and upgraded to a top floor apartment which was spectacular with floor to ceiling windows that looked out over the cobble stone streets of Tribeca.

EATS & DRINKS @ COSMOPOLITAN CAFE TRIBECA

www.cosmopolitancafetribeca.com/

Just next door you will find a cute little cosy cafe, Cosmopolitan Cafe TriBeCa which is perfect for a quick bite to eat or an espresso and you cannot leave NYC without trying one of their incredibly warming, rich, delicious hot chocolates. Pop in on a cold night & you may even get a little welcome hot chocolate on the house.

SHOPS

I am not going to try and give you tips on where to shop in NYC. My advice is to simply stroll the streets and you will be sure to find something to suit your taste. Here are a few of my personal favs anyway! Get a good mix of urban cool in Urban Outfitters where you will find everything from homeware, to Holga cameras, books and fashion. I would also recommend visiting one of NYC's gourmet deli style eateries such as Dean & Deluca (try their chowder & warm bread to go) or grab a few tins of lollies, nuts or chocolates to take back to your room. (btw, if you are staying at Smyth Tribeca you will find a whole range of Dean & Deluca goodies in your hotel mini bar!)

TIMES SQUARE

Off course Times Square is a must see destination when visiting NYC. From here you can visit Central Park & The Rockafella Centre which is my recommendation for the best views in town. From up here you can get a clear shot of the The Empire State Building.

If you have time, visit the International Centre of Photography on 43rd street http://www.ica.org/

CHEAP AND CHIC ... SYDNEY

2009-12-13T17:26:00.000-08:00

If you are travelling to Sydney and you want to save a few dollars, there are plenty of free sights and stays that are both cheap and chic.

QUICK PICK TOP 5 LINKS

STAYS @ THE KIRKETON BOUTIQUE HOTEL

229 Darlinghurst Road | Darlinghurst | 1800 332 920 (within Australia) + 61 2 9332 2011

The Kirketon in Darlinghurst is in a great location. It is a easy stroll to the train and there is a huge selection of great shops, eats and drinks in and around Darlinghurst. The Kirketon is very reasonibly priced ($100-$130 a night) and it has been very tastefully renovated in recent years.

EATS @ BILLS

Take a short walk from The Kirketon to Liverpool street and grab a bite to eat at Bills - Bills Darlinghurst is one of two restaurants owned by the renowned chef and cookbook author Bill Granger. (The scrambled eggs for breakfast are some of the best in Sydney!)

SHOP SHOP

From here you can take a casual stroll to Oxfort Street and do a little window shopping (or spending if the budget allows). There are some great vintage shops along this strip as well as high end Australian fashion boutiques like Willow and Sass and Bide.

One of the coolest things about Oxford street is that it is home to a lot of our incredible homegrown design talents. Supporting local designers is so much easier these days. Their collections are more widely stocked than ever!

Influencial designers like Sass and Bide, Camilla & Marc, Willow & Gail Sorronda are giving the rest of the world a reason to take an interest and notice us in a design sense. This inturn has has opened alot of doors for alot of Australian designers.

Just recently the Sass & Bide Sydney and Melbourne stores hosted a book signing for The Sartorialist. This fashion blog has had a massive impact on the world of fashion blogging in recent years and they shoot what real people are wearing on the streets - as opposed to shooting what is currently being sold in shops. This blog is all about individual style and being! Having The Sartoralist on our shores again is very exciting! No doubt he will shoot some aussie street style this trip and take it to the world through his blog. We can only hope!

FREE BITS

If shopping isnt your thing, you can visit the Australian Centre for Photography which more often than not has free exhibitions. The Paddington Resovoir is also nearby and worth a walk through. It is also free and a nice place to sit and relax and take in the vibe of paddington city living.

The Kirketon Hotel ...Kevin Murphy bath products in your room

I DWELL IN THE CITY ... SYDNEY

2009-12-13T01:37:00.000-08:00

sydney is quite picturesque place and there are many great spots that make it so much more than just another city. do the bronte to bondi coastal walk , visit the opera house, go on a harbour cruise , or just laze around in one of the many green leafy breezy parks.

AN AFTERNOON OF DRINKS & EATS AT THE POOL BAR ... SYDNEY

2009-12-12T19:31:00.000-08:00

The Pool Bar at The Ivy is the kind of bar you visit when you want to lounge around on sun beds whilst drinking and eating on a warm spring day. try the $20 pizza and peroni deal from monday to friday and after a couple of more peronis step it up to a classic pool side pina colada. This is the kind of place you dont want to leave and the kind of place that makes you feel like you are on a tropical holiday when really you are sitting in the middle of sydney city! great atmosphere! great pizza! great cocktails!

The Ivy has around 13 bars and restaurants and they always have great deals happening on eats & drinks.

and on your way out stop at the bottle shop at the ivy for a few more beers or a quality pinot gris..

THE PRINCE HOTEL ... MELBOURNE

2009-12-10T22:22:00.000-08:00

The Prince Hotel

2 Acland Street St Kilda
+613 9536 1111

My husband and I feel in love with The Prince the first time we laid eyes on it. So much so, we married here in March of 2009 - even though we (and the majority of our family and friends) live in Queensland.

hotel architects | hecker phelan guthrie
the deck architects | wood marsh architects

The design elements of this boutique hotel deliver a very powerful statement through the use of light, space & colour.

Australian architecture firms Hecker Phelan Guthrie and Wood Marsh have signiture elements that feature heavily in all of their projects and The Prince is no exception.

Wood Marsh in particular use elements in certain projects that I feel are a homage to Mexican born architect Luis Barragan (1902-1988). Barragan had a huge influence in the modern movement back in the 1930's. He believed that architecture should be emotional and that any work without serenity was a mistake. He used natural materials and light to create spaces that were enlivening and enchanting and The Prince sits perfectly within this concept.

From the moment you arrive you enter a cool dimly lit room fitted with a jaw dropping blue black marble staircase. This sits aside a simplistic 'floating' marble reception and 3 meter long silk organza drapes that sofly reflect the rooms signiture pink lighting. From this moment you feel chilled and relaxed and as though you never want to leave.

And during your visit if you dont want to, you dont have too ...

The Prince, like the Establishment in Sydney has almost everything under one roof. The Prince was voted "Australias Leading Boutique Hotel" in the world travel awards 2008 (and a number of years prior) ...and for good reason.

You will find the Prince Wine Store, Aurora Spa Retreat, the Prince Bandroom, Il Fornaio Melbournes 'sexiest bakery' as described by Gourmet Traveller, Mink (a vodka bar), The Prince of Wales Public Bar which is the original old fashioned pub and The Deck, which is a beautiful light filled function space and pool area. It features a huge outdoor deck with middle eastern inspired screens that incase floor to ceiling doors and windows. These allow an incredible light pattern to shine through to the internal white space all day and year long. It is truly beautiful and perfect for any special occasion and it served us very well on our wedding day.

**The following two photographs taken by Leisa Hunt for Leisa Hunt Photography.
**Flowers by Flower Flower | www.flowerflower.com.au

You can check out more about our wedding day online at Style Collective

Circa

The restaurant at The Prince, Circa, catered our wedding and the food was amazing! & it also currently holds the title for Victorian Wine list of the Year (Age Good Food Guide 2009).

Circa is open for breakfast from 7-11am daily; the bar menu is available from noon until late daily and dinner is from Monday -Saturday from 6pm. You can also do lunch on Sunday from 12.30pm - 4pm.

Aesop

You will also find Aesop store here (and Aesop products in your hotel room at The Prince)!

Aesop was launched in Melbourne in 1987 and has taken the world by storm with its botanical skin, hair and body products. Aesop is known for their passionate engagement with the larger culture landscape and their stores are all as unique in design as their products are to skin care. The use of parsley seed for its anit-oxident benefits bring many healt benefits by nutralising free radicals. We love Aesop!!

Il Fornaio

Melbournes Sexiest Bakery is also a part of The Prince Hotel! Enjoy a great espresso, house-made bircher, oatmeal with rhubarb compote or grab a freshly baked sourdough!

THE ESTABLISHMENT HOTEL & THE IVY ... SYDNEY

2009-12-10T19:27:00.000-08:00

The Establishment Hotel and The IVY

My husband and I have big love for architecture and design. We enjoy spaces that have history, spaces that use light and form and unify the old and the new.

There is no better place to stay and enjoy these elements more than at a boutique hotel. Apart from the obvious charm of being a guest at small, intimate hotel that is generally 50 rooms or less; it is nice to the avoid large hotel chains & support local or family business where possible.

The Establishment Hotel - Sydney
5 Bridge Lane, Sydney 2000
Architects: Hecker Plelan & Guthriehttp | www.hpg.net.au/

The Establishment was Justin Hemmes first project. This project he flew solo (independent of his parents). In alot of ways the sucess of The Establishment proved to the critics that he had strong career ahead in the family business, not as a son of an influential Sydney family, but as a very smart and influencial business man. If you have not heard the Hemmes family name before, they have been major players in the Sydney drinks,eats and stays scene for many years.

The Establishment was followed by The Ivy project, a $160 million dollar superclub which is of a scale and a quality that Australia has not seen before. With a total of 13 drinking & eating venues in the IVY along with 2 penthouses, this place has everything!

If you are staying at the Establishment, the Ivy is just a few minutes walk so go check it out!

THE IVY

AND THE BLOG BEGINS ...

2009-12-09T23:07:00.000-08:00

we love to share conversations, experiences & laughs over great drinks, great eats and in great places!

We believe some of the greatest shared experiences to be had are with those we love, around a table of drinks, a lovingly prepared meal or in a place far from home ... sometimes all three!

Great places for drinks, eats and stays can be unexpected, little known finds or they may be places that have been the subject of much discussion since their opening. Whichever category they fall is of no importance really as this blog is more about finding somewhere that leaves us feeling happier for having visited.

We aim for this blog to be much more than just a list. We aim to provide information the environments, cultures & people that surround special places we frequent or would love to frequent. We believe there are many important factors involved in the overall experience encountered with eating, drinking or sleeping over!

We aim to share with you all of the things that were special to us and we hope you too can experience great times over drinks eats or stays with those you love.