CJ's definition of "near": less total driving time than social interaction time, even if the driving is during rush hour and the meal is short.

Hmmm.... So, if I drive up, and we have two 6-hour Fabulous Fondue Fests (or perhaps in deference to my (preferably) finite tummy, one 6-hour Fabulous Fondue Fest interspersed with one 6-hour Kittywatching with Long Cat-themed Discussion, that'd fit your "near" criterion, wouldn't it? ;)