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YOLOswagBRO69 t1_j4gsplg wrote

Henry's Diner downtown. Walk there at 6 am because you couldn't fall asleep, recent snowfall muffles the activity of a parcel delivery guy and a nearby plow. You shuffle in & hang your hat and jacket on the coatrack, you're the first person to comb through the local paper as you are greeted by some usual suspects. You have some fresh coffee and eavesdrop on the workers as they bundle up silverware and refill pepper shakers, they don't care if you hear about what they have to say about their guy friend. You pick from the homely list of Americana diner food and an old-timer a few chairs down at the counter makes a comment about your boots, which sends him into a tangent about how he used to mix his own cement as a teenager. You're not in a hurry so you indulge him. The sound of metal spatulas slapping against the flat top comes from the cooking area, along with the aroma of fresh sausage gravy and maple syrup. You peek at the cook through the serving window and they have a really cool tattoo that they probably regret.

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qbxk t1_j4hys9t wrote

from "Queen City Noir," a collection of vignettes, by YOLOswagBRO69

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inflatablemoses t1_j4hz197 wrote

Did not expect such a detailed, elaborate and well written comment from "yoloswagbro69"

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greenmountaingyal t1_j4l1jha wrote

The best part of this? I mean other than the really quite lovely writing? You could’ve written this 25 years ago because you just sent me back to college in the 90s. So many visits to Henry’s in last night’s clothing. And it really was a reverent atmosphere that early.

Thanks for that.

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tddevine t1_j4gkifi wrote

Honey road

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Belastin t1_j4o2bwy wrote

Owner is a great guy too! Imports all of his wines from turkey, truly is a one of a kind experience

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here_f1shy_f1shy t1_j4gh844 wrote

A lil abstract but I LOVE the food truck nights in down town over the summer. Got a variety of street food that's amazing. The Korean BBQ one 👌

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vtmosaic t1_j4gl0em wrote

Single Pebble. I love the food and atmosphere, the experience. Particularly fun with a larger party, where you can sample lots of dishes.

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c_l_who t1_j4gsohz wrote

Istanbul in Burlington. Amazing authentic Turkish food and great atmosphere. The kanafeh is perfection.

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Wheelchair_Legs t1_j4gwy9n wrote

In terms of food, Istanbul is the best. The dishes are so delicious and everything is perfectly prepared every time.

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PriorParsnip3056 t1_j4giqe8 wrote

Big fan of misery loves company in Winooski. Loved getting the fried chicken for two and sitting at the counter where you could watch the chefs cooking, or sitting in one of the window alcoves. This place checked all the boxes for me. I think they are setup a little differently now after the pandemic, so will need to visit them again and check it out.

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tunanoodle14 t1_j4gpwxm wrote

MLC is set up as more of a market/prepared foods spot now with some eat in options I believe. Check out their new sister restaurant at the top of the rotary, Onion City Chicken & Oyster!

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Ruggervt14 t1_j4grfds wrote

Second this - they have a great selection of fresh oysters, and awesome chicken!

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tatqwerty t1_j4hecda wrote

Glad someone likes it, but that was the worst food I’ve ever had

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tossawayintheend t1_j4gj96i wrote

Trattoria Delia. Request the small table for 2 near the fireplace for date night. Or the semi-private room next to it for a group.

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friedmpa t1_j4gw59d wrote

Best pizza around

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tossawayintheend t1_j4hctmm wrote

I don't think we're talking about the same thing. The Trat is definitely not a pizza place.

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friedmpa t1_j4hhwn5 wrote

too early in the morning for me... not really just dumb... was thinking of pizzeria verita lol. my mistake

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Intelligent-Hunt7557 t1_j4ikrxt wrote

They don’t serve pizza anymore? I had some wicked goat cheese and rabbit liver pate many years ago. Obviously it was never their main gig but that combo was great!

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weareami t1_j4gtrnu wrote

Tiny Thai, best Thai food around and one of my main cravings!

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do_it-to_it t1_j4gdazt wrote

I’m just gonna go ahead and say what we’re all thinking… Al’s French Fry’s. I enjoyed it as a college kid who wanted to eat as much as possible on a limited budget, as an adult for some guilty pleasure food, and now as a dad trying to teach the kiddo about the culinary masterpiece that is the corn dog. Wish the prices were what they used to be but can’t really complain. Also love the nostalgic 50’s diner feel with music and all.

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Libriomancer t1_j4ham5c wrote

Only thing I missed about skipping my family’s weekly visits to Thunder Road. Was glad to escape the races, but missed the fries.

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sinkinginkling t1_j4gn34q wrote

Stone Soup. It’s comfort food to me, and I love the homey atmosphere.

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casewood123 t1_j4gohyf wrote

Agreed. Super nice owners, and the people who work there are great as well. Add to that fantastic food.

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Salty_Charlemagne t1_j4jod35 wrote

I find the layout there super stressful (can never figure.out where to stand, especially if it's busy) but I love the atmosphere and soup!

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27tricks t1_j4gihkv wrote

Cafe Dim Sum downtown. And now with the hot pots it’s even more fun.

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squish261 t1_j4nhuep wrote

Very unique spot. Absolutely love the dim sum and haven't even had a shot at the hot pot!
Plus, best owners around! Seriously amazing people.

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Belastin t1_j4o9rz6 wrote

I had a miserable time here when they first started doing their hotpot out.

Server was some goon wearing a gold chain and a jersey. He messed up my drink order not once but twice times (each time more bewilderingly bringing out the SAME white wine and charging me for the the red I ordered) proceeded to refuse to sell a bottle of wine to our table while my party was stone cold sober.

Hot pot was alright, definitely not the best I’ve ever had but for the cost of it $32 for beef I expected a lot more.

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waitsfieldjon t1_j4gfayx wrote

Carburs

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Key-Understanding770 t1_j4gfpf6 wrote

I am with you on this one but it’s been gone for 20 years

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waitsfieldjon t1_j4ggrvv wrote

The Old Man in DC… The open-face sandwiches. Good beer. Jovial atmosphere and kitch. The playing cards on the ceiling. Theee levels of dining. Being on St. Paul Street… Blue Suade News. Nostalgia is a horrible drug.

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WantDastardlyBack t1_j4gy3f2 wrote

I still have a Carburs menu and have often thought about recreating each sandwich for kicks, with the exception of Lady Chatterley's Liver, I couldn't stomach that one.

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waitsfieldjon t1_j4h1hux wrote

A copy of that must be gold. Mind sharing?

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truckingon t1_j4ha49z wrote

Try this: https://scholarsarchive.jwu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1984&context=mbf_collection

I only ate (and drank beer of course) there once or twice before it closed. It might be one of the few exceptions to the rule that huge menu = very mediocre food.

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Not_the_sharpest_1 t1_j4jbfz0 wrote

Thank you so much for this! I shall name my firstborn "Carburs-truckingon" to properly honor you.

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WantDastardlyBack t1_j4kzdbo wrote

This menu has so much more than the one I have. Their food definitely became more and more mediocre as time passed. In the early to mid-80s, I loved eating there. We used to go from the bank to Carburs a lot for lunches in the late 80s, early 90s. But a few years before they shut down, they definitely weren't the same.

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WantDastardlyBack t1_j4kyzsj wrote

At some point, I can circle back and do so. I have a scanner, but it's not set up right now, so it would have to be photos from a phone. The link below isn't the one I have. The one I have is smaller and has a section of alcoholic beverages. I think the date on it was 1980.

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waitsfieldjon t1_j4l0n3s wrote

Someone posted a link to a Johnson and Wales web page that has it in this thread.

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SemperFuu t1_j4gnavt wrote

“Shopping bag or go f*** ya mother!” -Joey Diaz

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Ambitious_Ask_1569 t1_j4gg40c wrote

Papa Franks. Although the atmosphere did change when the Mama died.

Still get a great dinner for the family for cheap.

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Clever_Clever t1_j4l5xrg wrote

Back in the mid-90s it was listed w/ a typo in the Yellow Pages as Papa Rranks. My roommate once found a band-aid in one of his salads. That's when we stopped ordering from Papa Rranks.

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Jerry_Williams69 t1_j4gc1c3 wrote

Shalimar. I just think their food rocks. I've only got carry out from the place, but the restaurant seems nice.

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YourAverageCracker t1_j4gi4v5 wrote

It's been a decade since I've been but I'll never forget. First time I went, I went with my then gf, now wife, and 3 buddies. The second time I went, I was with my now wife and 2 of the same buddies, it had been 6 months, but the hostess asked if our 5th friend was going to be joining us again. We couldnt believe they remembered us. The food was amazing, and the people working were great. Unfortunately curry doesn't agree with our stomachs or we would go back often.

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bibliophile222 t1_j4ggt53 wrote

Does it have to be a regular sit-down restaurant? If not, my favorite food establishment is Mirabelle's. Consistently great pastries and desserts, some of them mind-blowingly delicious. I go every Saturday.

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Sparrows_Shadow t1_j4gjt7d wrote

Waterworks hands down.

Each dish is amazing

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stangusbrule69 t1_j4h0unk wrote

Waterworks is mediocre, overpriced American bistro food.

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whaletacochamp t1_j4hjvh9 wrote

Waterworks - where we have a waterfall so people think we’re a really good restaurant.

Recently acquired title of “restaurant everyone thinks is fancy but really isn’t” from Sweetwaters.

Literally makes me cringe seeing people trip over one another to talk about how amazing and unique waterworks is.

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Kristishere t1_j4hmgj9 wrote

It makes me cringe when people literally think that their interpretation of what makes food, or a restaurant, or really anything completely subjective is somehow superior to someone else’s. How about you just say that you find it sub-par? Unless of course you are the world’s foremost restaurant critic. Actually, even then…. save it.

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wiryeasternpromise t1_j4gkaj8 wrote

Seconded. Granted I'm biased since my wife and I got married there and has great memories from early relationship date nights. Their bar program is on point as well.

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bipolarchickennugget t1_j4gw46o wrote

Love waterworks. The ambiance is great and I’ve had different experiences in the different sections to eat; main room, side room over the River, loft upstairs, and the bar. Their homemade chips and dip is an amazing appetizer!!

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OhMyAchingBrain t1_j4gewb1 wrote

I am on a Bramble kick at the moment. Good food, nice vibe, friendly staff... etc.

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Cantyan t1_j4jlgsm wrote

Bramble is the place to be, the half chicken is insanely tasty.

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No-Menu-5104 t1_j4h221w wrote

Pingala, because you don’t feel like a total turd after a decent sized meal.

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lavransson t1_j4hhd05 wrote

Namaste Garden close to 5 Corners in Essex Junction. Friendly, multi-generational family-run. Best Indian food within hundreds of miles. A lot of variety on the menu. Freshly prepared and not sitting in pots or containers for hours.

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zombienutz1 t1_j4gxd49 wrote

Papa Frank's in Winooski. You can't get a better value or hole in the wall atmosphere. Plus they have great beer prices on Mondays I believe.

edit: can't type correctly

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TheOriginalVTRex t1_j4i0ygz wrote

Hen of the Wood. EB Strong. Honey Road (booth seats only). Arts Riot.

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anthemwithal t1_j4h1k3e wrote

Leunig’s. Hands down my favorite for fine dining and classic French/American. Good atmosphere and really superior quality and presentation. Otherwise, folks have covered pretty much everything else I’d consider.

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NewEnglandBound t1_j4i70xg wrote

Vermont bagel co. Delicious bagels, what else do we need?

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caught_engarde t1_j4hp6tg wrote

Mayday in the north end! Always fantastic and imaginative food

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destructo767 t1_j4hta1w wrote

It feels like a bro move to say Zero Gravity, but the food is just as good as it was when it was The Great Northern, and the Waffee and Coffles in the morning are my favorite Burlington bite.

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_foxmotron_ t1_j4ggeu2 wrote

Skinny pancake! Their food is just absolutely delicious, and it’s in a beautiful location

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whaletacochamp t1_j4hkdpf wrote

I haven’t eaten there in 5+ years but before that I NEVER had a decent dining experience there. The food was always great but the experience of getting it was always trash. Hope that’s changed.

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willk95 t1_j4hnqk5 wrote

>I went there last summer when I was visiting a friend in Burlington. He had never had poutine, and I got so excited that it was on the menu!

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ResidentDirt2900 t1_j4h15ux wrote

The Big Spruce in Richmond. Great service, delicious cocktails, super chill vibe, and the food is fresh, flavorful, and a wonderful departure from what we get for "Mexican Food" in Vermont. Extensive tequila collection!

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RecycledAir t1_j4jndeb wrote

Shinjuku Station. Some of the best sushi I’ve ever had.

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I_VT t1_j4ljxvx wrote

I can’t believe no one has mentioned the fantastic sandwiches at Poppy Cafe yet

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nogzila t1_j4gh43g wrote

The friendly toast because they have some awesome bteakfast food and a full bar in the mornings . I rarely drink but it’s a nice change when you work 3rd shift to have that available.

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bipolarchickennugget t1_j4gw8ny wrote

Just went there with a friend who got off her night shift. A much needed fun atmosphere with great food. If you drink, definitely recommend the mimosa flight!

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nogzila t1_j4gwqlb wrote

My wife is a 3rd shift nurse and she loves places like these . The chicken and waffles was good and gives you that southern comfort food . The huevos rancheros is also awesome if your into that .

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bipolarchickennugget t1_j4gx8sx wrote

I’ll definitely be going back there and will be sure to give those a try!! Thank you for the recommendations :)

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joeconn4 t1_j4ifqdb wrote

Friendly Toast is not the kind of place I'd usually go to, I'm more a Henry's or Handy's Lunch kind of guy for breakfast. Had a work breakfast at FT last spring, it was outstanding. Been back 3-4 times.

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jktstance t1_j4haqxt wrote

Suvi's Kitchen. Delicious.

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yamshortbread t1_j4hxrup wrote

Zen Gardens in South Burlington is the best Chinese food in New England outside of Boston's Chinatown. Try anything off the traditional Chinese menu.

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vermontitguy t1_j4jptjf wrote

I live in Southern Vermont and only got up to BTV back when my daughter was going to UVM, so I'm not a guru or anything, but why has nobody mentioned Our House Bistro in Winooski? The Sugar Shack Mac is what dreams are made of.

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smellyshellybelly t1_j4jzcbt wrote

Joyce's in Essex, even though it closed last year. Amazing food at a good price with familiar, friendly waitstaff. Homemade egg rolls, homemade sauces, hand shelled peas...just haven't found that level of quality in another local Chinese restaurant, especially priced at barely more than the generic stuff.

It was my favorite restaurant for over a decade and I'm heartbroken that it's closed. It was the ultimate comfort food.

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RheaLight90 t1_j4j7n3t wrote

Chefs Corner in Williston absolutely amazing every time.

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Winoos t1_j4l5yhk wrote

Mandarin in Winooski. Great food, seemingly a family operation. Their pork spareribs, lo mein and soups are top notch.

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LetsGoHome t1_j4gqskc wrote

Probably Asiana Noodle on Church Street. Or Red Panda Essex. They're both little cozy places that feel very hole in the wall, and I've only had good experiences.

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trentyoubetcha t1_j4isrn2 wrote

A bit farther out but Prohibition Pig

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freeword t1_j4kw04r wrote

Poco. Or Misery.

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Vermontwolf t1_j4lmvqf wrote

Trattoria Delia. Best servers on planet.

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squish261 t1_j4niree wrote

I wish I could still say the Parkway Diner :(

This place, pre-pandemic and with the old owner was my absolute spot. Every single weekend my girlfriend and I would go, maybe both days.

Now, it's a shell of its former self, with respect to the diner food.

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squish261 t1_j4nj3b3 wrote

I bet few would say this, but probably because most don't continue past north Ave to Colchester: ROSSI'S LAKESHORE TAVERN.

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SemperFuu t1_j4nvrjy wrote

Taco Bell in the Pit

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supermonk22 t1_j5ciji4 wrote

How no one mentioned Pho Hong is beyond me. Always slammed yet get food out quickly. Everything's delicious. Great family run establishment.

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Wright606 t1_j4imzl2 wrote

Worthy Burger (South Royalton), Halvorson's (Burlington), Great Harvest (Burlington) Folino's (Shelburne), 802 Pizza (Randolph). Favorite is probably Worthy Burger but I don't get to Royalton often.

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Mntnrunner516 t1_j4ibnhj wrote

All respect... But I'm not telling... If everyone knew, it wouldn't be a hidden gem.

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CriticismOk6744 t1_j4j71s8 wrote

Apple Bees. The ultimate 12 hour cleanse on the cheap.

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