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Caffe Puccini
Categories: Restaurants Sandwiches Food Desserts Food Coffee & Tea Sandwiches, Desserts, Coffee & Tea [Edit]
411 Columbus Ave(between Green St & Stockton St)
San Francisco, CA 94133
Neighborhood: North Beach/Telegraph Hill
(415) 989-7033
- Price Range:
-
$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Late Night, Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
196 reviews for Caffe Puccini
Review Highlights
"We ate curbside and enjoyed the people-watching."
(in 15 reviews)
"Well cooked, seasoned and great neighborhood cafe feel."
(in 54 reviews)
"Their vegetarian split pea soup is brilliant."
(in 6 reviews)
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195 reviews in English
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Review from Michael S.
Denver, CO
2/5/2012
Quiet, great service, basic but delicious ham sandwich, and authentic Italian ambience.
Essence of North Beach. -
Review from Victor G.
Oakland, CA
1/30/2012
noticed caffe puccini had the usual expresso, gelato, italian sodas, and a lot of seating. just got pour to go. paid (m)1.90
-coffee on the harsher side of mellow
-probably french roast. rate 2ish
when exiting, noticed sign on inside shelf: "drip coffee- 1.25, 1.50.. ". -
Review from Alison B.
1/24/2012 1 Check-in Here
Came in here for a quick dinner... there weren't too many people there, and the decor is very basic so I was kind of expecting an overpriced meal made as cheaply as possible. However, my penne al porcini was surprisingly pretty good. Plus, they do give you bread and olive oil as well which is always nice.
I do think that it was a little more expensive than what it was worth, and the atmosphere is not the best.. it's definitely nothing fancy or cute, but it does the job. I would probably go somewhere else before coming here again, but overall, not bad... -
Review from Bo B.
Los Angeles, CA
1/2/2012
Just went for the 2nd time in a few years. Liked it before and still do. Staff is very friendly. They a very accommodating to families.
It's kind of a unique Italian American flavor to me. More Italian than Italian American which is what I like. VERY salty. My wife and I remembered that from the last visit and it was certainly the case with all of our dishes that time. Salty aside everything was still very good. -
Review from Erik A.
Milwaukee, WI
12/18/2011
Great for a variety of reasons.
As others have said, excellent people watching.... also, I always find it a great spot to read. Outside tables are delightful and I've had great conversations, once even in a hodgepodge of spanish (me) and Italian (elderly Italian man) about religion, bullfights, and culture. Kind of hemmingway-esque.
The espresso is to die for and the whipped cream is as real and thick as it gets. Delightful! -
Review from Onemoreanimal A.
Laguna Hills, CA
1/18/2012
Don't come here for the food, but the coffee is excellent. Eggs were alright, but the potatoes were dry and cold, the bread was hard and stale, and the "fruit" was 2 tiny slivers of orange. Everything tasted like it was frozen and heated up. The eggs tasted good, but I asked for over-medium and got partially runny.
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Review from Celia B.
Portland, OR
11/15/2011 1 Check-in Here
Wow! This place was fantastic! We were on our way back to the East Bay but we were hungry and really wanted some italian food for dinner in North Beach. We were yelping and couldn't find anything that jumped out at us. We felt ballsy and asked a cop sitting outside what he would recommend in North Beach, and where the best italian food is. He pointed at Puccini and said that it was by far the best. We decided to trust him (i know, risky!).
He was not wrong... The service was fast and polite, and the food was AMAZING. The pesto sauce was phenominal, the chicken parmesan was some of the best, the appetizer that comes with the prosciutto and olives etc. was large and fresh, and the split pea soup was the best i've had! Even the bread that they bring you before your meal was PERFECT. If you just want to come here for coffee or espresso, my sister said that her mocha was delicious.
We are definetly food snobs, and only go to the best italian restaurants in the East Bay (and there aren't many...). We were impressed with Caffe Puccini and if we are ever back in North Beach we will return! -
Review from Shannon W.
Fair Oaks, CA
Updated - 12/22/2011
This place is still as good as we remember - the pesto pasta really is excellent. Though, I thought I should advise that their portions are not as big though still enough for one person (just not two people). Their green salad was also quite good - lots of tasty veggies. We tried their tiramisu (since we had room for dessert this time) and it was very good.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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5/10/2009
We have been here twice in the last month and have enjoyed each time. The portions are very… Read more »
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Review from Christina C.
Oakland, CA
9/19/2011 5 photos
Oh, Puccini. There is something so magical about you. It's a little piece of Italy right here in our own city.
I am a major Pete's Coffee fan. I love supporting local mom and pop shops, but I just can't get away from my addiction to Pete's.
However, whenever I am in North Beach, this is my go to coffee shop. Their coffee is strong and delicious. They put their lattes in huge cappuccino mugs.
The guys that work their are so sweet and always remember us, even though we only go every so often. They always put a heart in my foam. Maybe they do this for every girl, but that's okay, it still feels special every time I am there.
I love just sitting in the shop and listening to the Italian opera music. They have a cute little jukebox so you can pick your favorites if you like. The shop itself feels so Italian. The owners are usually there drinking coffee and speaking Italian. I love to listen.
Since they are located in North beach it is always a great spot to people watch as well.
Oh, and you would never suspect, but they are very traditionally Italian in terms of how Italian coffee shops are. They also serve food. Their pasta and bread sticks are actually quite delicious. They also serve pretty decent wine as well. If your in North Beach and really want good Italian food, forget all the other places that have people beckoning for you to eat with them. Eat at Puccini's. I've tried most of the other Italian eateries in North Beach and all disappoint. Except for Puccini. They don't need to entice you to come to their shop, because they are just that good. Their service, coffee, food, wine and sodas speak for themselves. -
Review from Gloria H.
Still craving breakfast and not wanting to stand in line, we came here and were happy to find a corner table next to the window.
Today we had:
Cappuccino grande ($3?) for hubby and medium drip coffee ($1.75?) for me. We shared an everything bagel w/ lox, cream cheese and capers ($5.95) and an omelet w/ mushroom, tomato and swiss ($7.95 + 0.75) that came with a few breakfast potato, two thick slices of french bread and a few slices of strawberries.
The omelet was piping hot and tasty. The bagel was better than it looked, only wish they would add few thin slices of purple onion to it. Hubby's cappuccino was good, the foam was thick and creamy.
I was hoping to play some Italian music but the machine is only taking quarters and we didn't have any.Listed in: Places to eat in North Beach, Some of our favorite spots in…, Yummy breakfasts...
2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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7/2/2010
This is really a great neighborhood place. Location is great for people watching. Nice ambiance,… Read more »
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Review from Aurelio L.
San Francisco, CA
9/3/2011
Man, I loved this place!! It has so many good things on the menu.
I just want to order it all. I first came here with two of my friends who really aren't into Italian Cuisine but they decided they would try it. My course was Pappardelle alla Cinghiale (Wild Boar Sauce) my friend had Pappardelle alla Toscana (bolognese) and my other friend he had Pappardelle alla Boscaiola and man when they tried it they could have it every night. They had finally tried good and authentic Italian Cuisine. The next course was dessert in which I had Tiramisu. That was the best Tiramisu I've ever had. I'd definitely come back here again and again and again. p.s the cappuchino is the best I've ever drank. -
Review from Lindsey F.
Scottsdale, AZ
7/1/2011 1 Check-in Here
If I could begin every morning by sitting at Caffe Puccini with a cup of coffee and breakfast, I would be a happy lady. North Beach is of course Italy of the Bay Area, but there are certain spots within North Beach that really help the reputation. Caffee Puccini is one of them.
I've visited this little spot several times over the years and always enjoy a light breakfast or lunch here. I enjoy sitting in the front outside at a table and especially in the morning when I can watch North Beach come alive. Old timers who once lived in the great land of Italy walk the streets and say hi to old friends, friendly policemen pet a friendly canine while they chat with a neighborhood local and the shops slowly begin to open their doors and start a new day.
I could give Caffe Puccini five stars on the ambiance alone but in addition, the food and coffee is quite good as well. I will only focus on breakfast in this review, but the breakfast is quite tasty! I had an egg white omlet with spinach and prosciutto. It came with some breakfast potatoes, two orange slices and some toast. It was the perfect start to the morning without being overly heavy. To wash it down, I enjoyed a nice iced mocha. It was delicious but I must say that I think I ruined some of the taste by making it iced. I asked for more ice and when it cooled down it wasn't as delicious as when it was still hot. Lesson learned!
So if you're in North Beach and looking for a nice spot to rest your feet, I suggest Caffee Puccini!Listed in: San Francisco
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Review from Lexie S.
San Francisco, CA
9/26/2011
Great spot for a lunch fitting for a Bella Donna!
Buongiorno!
My first trip to Cafe Puccini today and it was pleasurable.
Smiling and friendly staff were quick to get my order and drink order in a prompt manner.
Lunch was a Salmone topped foccacia with capers and onions and a house red wine. Dessert was a mixed berry pie with coffee.
Sitting street side and just relaxing in the shade, this meal soaked into my psyche for the rest of the afternoon.
Ciao! -
Review from Chuck H.
San Francisco, CA
12/3/2011
From the waitress recently imported from Italy to the finest pasta bolognese I've ever had, I cannot find a reason to complain. Even if you're not hungry, grab a coffee and watch the denizens of North Beach stroll down Columbus Ave. Its as close to southern Europe you can get in North America, I'd bet my bottom dollar on that.
A better writer should write a poem about Caffe Puccini, not a Yelp review. -
Review from Dani D.
8/7/2011 1 Check-in Here
I love this place for their people watching, friendly service, and delicious soy chais! The food is also pretty good here. My standby favorites are the chicken parmigiana and the clam chowder and every dessert I've tried here has been good.
Perfect spot to meet friends for a pre-dinner pit stop. -
Review from Gary C.
Houston, TX
8/13/2011 2 Check-ins Here
This is what North Beach Italian is all about. Stopped in for lunch with my son, our last meal of the trip to San Francisco. Arrived about noon on Saturday, beautiful sunny day, sat at a sidewalk table and watched the world go by. Ordered a grande, doppio cappuccino, it was giant and very tasty.
For lunch I ordered spaghetti carbonara & my son ordered cheese ravioli in Marinara sauce. He says the ravioli were very good, but wouldn't share with me so I'll take his word for it. My spaghetti was totally rich & decadent. I couldn't finish the whole bowl (which is saying something). The taste was excellent, I shudder to think how many calories are in the dish. I liked it very much, is it wrong to say it may have been a tad bit too rich?
The service was good & the check for two (with 20% tip) was $39.
I'd definitely come back. Good food, great people watching & good value. -
Review from Judy Z.
San Francisco, CA
6/6/2011 1 photo
Came in here to escape the cold drizzly afternoon of SF.
Warm place, high ceilings, people minding their own businesses, large windows for people watching and comfortable plush seats along the wall.
Ordered for me a hot cocoa, thick foam on top that I had to eat with a spoon and it was choco-tastic and I sipped me away an hour with the mister. Very pleasant place to sit. -
Review from M S.
San Francisco, CA
8/18/2011
I love this place! Very cheap, hearty, flavorful and quality. I recommend the meat raviolis with marinara sauce or the chicken parmigiana. You can always get a table and on a rare sunny day, nothing beats sitting outside and people watching.
Cafe Puccini is favorite place in North Beach! -
Review from Todd H.
San Francisco, CA
7/1/2011 4 Check-ins Here
I've eaten dinner here three or four times, and have always eaten well. The restaurant doesn't look like much, but they put out fantastic food that is straight-forward, well-crafted but uncomplicated. Hearty portions -- you won't leave hungry.
The only meal I didn't fully enjoy was the gnocchi in gorgonzola cream sauce. I love rich foods, and this dish was TDF. However, even for me, it was just too much. I think they should serve this in a smaller portion with a vegetable side dish or something. -
Review from paul v.
Brentwood, CA
7/6/2011
As a non-coffee drinker, I do not know if my words are credible. But Caffe Puccini makes the BEST mocha I have ever had.
Me and my wife just finished watching Beach Blanket Babylon and she was looking to get a caffeine drink. She ordered a mocha, I took a sip of her drink and pretty much finished it. =)
Will definitely drop by to get a mocha if I'm in the area. -
Review from Mattie C.
5/9/2011
Yum! This was a fantastic place to get some brunch and watch some people. I had an absolutely delicious omelette with mushrooms and some kind of italian cheese, french bread and a coffee and sat in the corner by the window. Very quiet and mellow in there, and I really liked the decor. I also liked the fact that it was silent on the inside without stupid radio music playing. I could just eat casually, relax, read my magazine and gaze out the window at people/dogs walking by.
Best of all, my incredibly satisfying meal came out to around $11. The North Beach area seems like a bustling place in the center of the main part of San Francisco, so these prices seemed like great value to me. I can't imagine somewhere with comparable prices and location in DC.
This was my first meal ever in San Francisco, and it was great! -
Review from Scott M.
Lansdale, PA
8/22/2011 1 Check-in Here
We went for breakfast & the food was bad. Croissant was dry and the omellette was not good either. It was one of the few places open on July 4th. Next time I'd rather not eat than stop here again.
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Review from Morgane T.
San Francisco, CA
1/25/2011
One month ago,rainy and coldy day, I drank a delicious cappucino. The decort is typacally Italian, and they played old italian song. Eveything seemed lovely .... But....
Because I've just mooved in North beach I wanna come back in this restaurant with one of my friend and we were pretty desapointed...
Our chees pasta was good but our lasagne a la bolognese was really dry and the desert, THE tiramissu was dry too and not tasty...
Ok, it s cheap, but it s always too expensive when it s worst than my own cook...
Morever the waiter forgot us all the dinner. Hard to have wine, hard to have glace of water, and even hard to have the check !
So take a capucino and go away ! -
Review from Marianne C.
San Francisco, CA
2/27/2011
When walking around the North Beach area we came across this restaurant and decided to give it a try. First off the staff was very slow and wasn't very friendly! It took them at least 10 minutes or more to even glance over at our table. Another reason I was under impressed was at the quality of my chicken parmesan dish. The chicken was rubbery and black because it was WAY overcooked. My boyfriend was also eating with me and had an upset stomach that evening and decided to order just penne pasta with butter. It wasn't on the menu but we figured it couldn't be more then $8-$9. When we got the bill they charged us $11.90 for ONLY buttered pasta, and a small plate may I add.
Either way I was very upset that we ended up eating at this restaurant and will not be returning... there were a TON of of other italian restaurants that had huge crowds that I would much sooner try. -
Review from Rika P.
3/16/2011
I love Puccini! Always a fan of his awesome opera posters! And I love the fact that this cafe is filled with them!
Not sure what to comment on the beverages and food. First of all, espresso is decent. Roast is too strong, and cappuccino is not smooth. I'm sure they could be better.
Ricotta Chocolate Pie is not bad actually, perhaps a little on the overly sweet side, but has a nice dense texture. The crust seems less fresh than the filling, like it's been stored for a while before filling the ricotta and chocolate. Biscotti are supersize! Didn't get to order it, but perhaps the next time I have coffee here I will! -
Review from Tim S.
Groveland, CA
2/8/2011
When looking for a good restaurant , I often look at the customers. I look for Chinese eating at a Chinese restaurant.
At Caffe Puccini I noticed a few Italian customers, some even speaking Italian, so I order a pasta dish and some soup!!!! Man was it good, the flavor was incredible. It was so good I got an extra order to take home for the next day and the price was right.
I'll be back. -
Review from Niniane W.
Mountain View, CA
7/11/2011
I had scrambled eggs which seemed oily. The place feels like it was decorated on a small budget.
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Review from Pete M.
San Francisco, CA
4/6/2011
Keep in mind, I've been here for lunch at least a 1/2 dozen times and dinner once. I suggest this place for lunch to get the max out of it. I think because the owner (a tall Italian lady) is gone for the night service that the place tails off a bit.
As for why I return...its all about the pasta. Its perfect every time and their sauces are very good. I recommend the salmon sauce with fettuccine noodles. The way its set up, you order any noodle type with your choice of sauce. I've also had their mochas and they are awesome...not too sweet and enough strength. A good sign, you'll notice during the day a good amount of Italian men sitting around outside speaking Italian (loudly) and enjoying themselves. -
Review from Victor W.
7/9/2011
Casual, inexpensive, Italian fare. Try the pappardelle w/ rabbit ragu -- great dish.
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Review from Kendra S.
Uptown, Oakland, CA
5/26/2011 1 Check-in Here
Bread was stale. My angel hair pasta with tomatoes had great flavor but was heavily oiled. My sister had a great tortellini, even though she didn't say, pretty sure that's not what she ordered.
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Review from Michelle W.
San Jose, CA
10/22/2010
Came here after a long day of trekking around in The City and Sausalito.
We were looking for a restaurant at around 9pm and what caught the bf's eye was the Frutti di Mare (his favorite pasta) on the menu outside.
We were seated next to the window. The windows were very tall and opened, which gave the cafe an authentic Italian feel to it. I ordered a mushroom risotto, which was o-k. But his Frutti di Mare was delicious!
I ordered a macchiato and he got a mocha to go. Little did I know that the macchiato was nothing like the starbucks one and came in a small shot instead of the 8oz cup that I was expecting to receive. Total Italian FAIL! It was tasty nonetheless.
The server was a chill dude in his 20s, was also very friendly so we tipped him a little more. -
Review from Tammy S.
4/26/2011 1 Check-in Here
Not great. I would not come here again. The food was just so - so. I got pasta with a mushroom marinara sauce. The bread that was served was weird and the Parmesan cheese was that fake kind that you can buy in a shaker in the dried pasta and jarred sauce aisle . The service was pretty good and thank goodness they had wine - not great wine, but wine nonetheless. The clientele was interesting and the people watching was unparalleled. I think the positive reviews are based on the coffee, NOT the food. I would not come here again for food, as there are DEFINITELY better options in the area.
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Review from Cameron H.
Kennesaw, GA
5/22/2011 1 Check-in Here
In need of the best home cooking for your next breakfast? Look no further! I had the ham and cheese omelet, and my husband and I shared a Belgian waffle. The waffle was the perfect color and crispness. The French bread and the potatoes were the exact right amount. I ate this after a mad night of drinking which perhaps made the experience that much better. In terms of ambience it's a no frills place, very average, old cafe with character and charm. We ate curbside and enjoyed the people-watching. Now go eat!
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Review from Lucius M.
Vallejo, CA
11/14/2010
Large portions.. great place to people-watch... delicious coffee... What more could I ask for on a Sunday morning. There's not a lot to choose from on the menu, but who needs tons of choices when there's so many other things to do to keep you occupied? Granted, I thought that my egg mix was too fluffy for my liking, but that's a small quibble.
I like that there are great seats outside, but if the weather isn't right, you can slip right inside and still be able to see everyone walking by through the large front window. -
Review from Micaela M.
Sparks, NV
5/11/2010
Is it just me, or do bathrooms in San Fran seem very, very small? And always occupied? Maybe it is just me...
Well, this place hit the spot on a cold and wet morning. Coffee was good and everything on the menu looked good, but since I wasn't hungry, I didn't order anything to eat. -
Review from Hester B.
Oakland, CA
1/7/2011 1 Check-in Here
A friend brought me here and I couldn't figure out why we had passed do many seemingly great Italian eateries just to go to a deli. Then I had the ravioli...
The absolute best I EVER had. Maybe not rivaling sex, but I am salivating right now just remembering it. The salad was delicious, the bread was delicious, the coffee was delicious. The seating area felt a little bit like a donut shop, but I quickly got over it.
Towards the end of the meal the meat sauce began to taste a bit on the salty side (because I'd run out of ravioli) so be warned if you have an aversion to salt. Spread it on a piece of their fresh bread, and problem solved.
I'm definitely going back again and again. -
Review from Justine K.
San Francisco, CA
8/10/2011
I've been going here for years, and the staff is always friendly, the food great, and the coffee even better! My favorite is the mocha.
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Review from Sean H.
San Francisco, CA
6/19/2011
Delicious. Great sandwiches, very reasonable prices, good service, and very generous wine pours, which is always worth a star at least. A great spot to have a coffee or breakfast/lunch in North Beach. I've been here twice and I was very happy both times. Places like this are what make North Beach cool and worth visiting. Do it right.
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Review from Francesca F.
San Francisco, CA
9/26/2010
Puccini is one of my favorite San Francisco spots. The people are always so friendly and whether you just want a coffee or a full lunch, I've never been disappointed.
Personal favorites are the pappardelle, proscuitto special panino, and pesto pasta. All delish. The coffee is great too - but really I only order one when the younger girl is working the espresso machine.
People watch outside on Columbus on a great day or find a window seat right inside. I love Puccini and always bring visitors for a yummy lunch! -
Review from terry h.
San Jose, CA
1/3/2009
This is by far my #1 favorite place to eat in San Francisco with respect to Italian food. There are lots of other Italian restaurants that are more expensive and more elegant but for the flavor, prices and atmosphere, C.P. is simply wonderful. A great, easy date place on a warm sunny San Franciscan afternoon. I have never been here on a cold day in my life, just lucky I suppose and as a result I just love North Beach as an never ending arena of language, culture and vibrant humanity.
I have never had a bad meal here, and we eat here a lot, the pre-meal bread and olive oil is THE BEST of any that I have ever had. They make it themselves on site and it is so amazingly good you almost can't finish your main meal. The locals all swear by the rabbit and how do I know? I asked some grizzled foreign (foreign never looks right to me spelling-wise because I was taught in school, "I before E, except after C") speakers what they were eating before I ordered my first meal here.
The rabbit was prepared not in pieces, like a chicken would be, but pulled into small, irregular portions, then mixed into a delicious, tangy, yet slightly bitter tomato, garlic and basil sauce. The flavor however was not gamey in the least but somehow full and robust with a very pleasant, earthy combination of notes to the palate. I have subsequently re-ordered this dish several times with a bed of wide, home-made pasta that melds perfectly together as the sauce and pasta slowly combine themselves.
I found out about Caffe Puccini through the SF Chronicle who said it was one of the best places to eat in the city and boy were they right. Everyone I take here feels the same that I do and drool like Pavlov's dog to return.
The coffee, desserts and sandwiches are all wonderful but remember that it's the home-made pasta and sauce that have created the fantastic reputation C.P. has earned. Although I would be remiss in not mentioning the awesome varieties of coffee that C.P. prepares. Due to the affect caffeine has on me, I do not order the high-test offerings, instead sticking to de-caff versions which I know do not carry the intense, smoky potential of the full-bodied blends.
Plus, the people watching on Columbus is the best. You just get your food, kick back and relax the day away. People say that it's just a Mom and Pop shop but it is not, it is a great, great place to eat. I could not recommend this place more highly and would give it 10 stars if I could.
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