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Categories: Korean, Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt, Coffee & Tea [Edit]
Neighborhood: North ParkMon-Sun. 2:00 p.m. - 12:00 a.m.
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Their Korean shave ice dessert (patbingsu) takes longer than expected but worth it.
The bathroom's an adventure (bikini frog watches you pee, coffee grounds to freshen up your aroma, and stainless steel dumbbell to hold the door open or strengthen your non-hairy hand).
People thought this was:
I read good things about them on Yelp.
And, like a reviewer before me, I had a bizarre, perplexing, weird, exasperating experience.
I almost expected Alan Funt to come out yelling, "Smile! You're on Candid Camera!!!"
In retrospect, the proceeding blah blah will make one heckuva great scene in a play. Something to think on. . .
I have to tell it from beginning to end.
I walk up to the corner, bldg is painted with cafe scenery - cute. On the door I note a poorly spelled, sign warning people not to leave any items in their vehicles. Concern - that's nice.
Walk in, bi-level seating (about 40 or so seats, couple of couches and small tables in the window), 4, eighteen year old-ish people playing cards and having a great time.
No other patrons.
Counter and kitchen area in the back.
Their are two women behind the counter. One younger (perhaps 25 or so) the other (her mother? perhaps 55 or so).
I stand there. They both look at me. The younger one is making 4 bubble drinks for the 18 year olds. The older one is wiping down a counter.
I stand there.
I stand there.
I stand there, I say, "are you getting ready to close?"
Older , "Not closed. You want a menu?" She smiles SUPER BIG when she asks this question as if she's trying to be personable.
I reply, "Yes. (hands me the menu). Do you have table service?"
She looks at me.
She walks away.
A language barrier perhaps?
She returns.
I ask, "Do you have wifi?"
She stares at me.
She blinks.
She turns her head and coughs.
Okay, no cough.
The younger barks over her shoulder, "WIFI WORKS!"
Something is not right in this place. I order an iced coffee, regular, no frills. $3.25. Really? $3.25? More that Strbx or DD.
I order a sandwich. The older looks upset with me and starts grinding her teeth. I pay the $9.00 on my c.c. and ask if I can sit anywhere.
Now I get what I take to be a genuine smile as she gestures toward the front window seating area. "Up there" pointing to the window in the front.
I sit on one of the two couches. There are also 2 two top tables and smaller upholstered chairs. No one is up there. Only 4 late teens still waiting on the bubblers.
I set up my world, take a deep breath and begin thinking of the work ahead of me next week.
"Lady."
"Lady."
I look up.
Older says, "Lady (pointing to a table for 2) you sit there -- leave place now for for."
I think: For for?
For 4?
Like 4 people.
No way.
She's sh*ttin' me, she has to be.
I ask her several direct and pointed questions.
First I ask her to repeat her order/request.
Then I ask her if she is kidding.
Next I ask her if she realizing what an absolutely asinine request she's making. I point out THERE ARE ONLY 5 PEOPLE IN A PLACE THAT SEATS APPROX. 40.
Finally, I ask her how long she was planning on staying in business.
She looks like there is a dull hum going on in her head. She says, "people come you move."She grins, frowns, turns around and walks back to the counter while scratching her side.
Hives, I'm thinking.
I am in disbelief .
I pack my world up.
Walk to the counter.
I say, "Please credit me immediately. I'm leaving. I have no idea how you could believe, and you obviously do believe, it makes good business sense to ignore customers, be generally rude and indifferent and then make pointless demands of them. I read about this place on Yelp. Is it under new mgmnt or something?"
The younger, with HUGE comical-tude, tells me she is the owner and attempts to argue with me using the voice of a fourteen year old girl who is attempting to whine her way into her way. She seems to have a mini nervous break down, begins to quiver as she attempts to get the cc machine work.
Whackado makin' bubble tea.
Then she charges me a 2nd time instead of giving me a credit.
She rips open the plastic top of the cc machine and chucks it off to the side. She yells at the older woman and the older woman gets very quiet.
"I AM BUSY! I AM A SMALL BUSINESS OWNER!" Younger is in low shriek mode now.
Older is now all apologies to me -side eyeing younger with a look that makes me wonder if it was medication time. Younger back to the bubble drink making dance.
I still have no credit receipt.
I start to take a couple giant bubble straws out of the container on the counter.
Younger worries begins talking to herself and cries out about melting bubbles and clanks the 4 drinks down in front of me on the counter.
I begin playing with the giant bubble straws on the counter. Finally I get two refund receipts. As I leave I mention it's too bad since I read such nice things. The younger blurts out, as I am leaving, "YEAH? WELL, I LIKE RETURN CUSTOMERS!"
You ain't gonna like me too much then Ms. Bubbly McBubblekins.
Next time I am going down the street to Java and Mug.
I read good things about them Yelp.
People thought this was:
This place is a cool gem for desserts, cafe treats, and hanging out till the wee hours of the night.
We came at about 10pm on a Thursday night, and it was pretty packed - great sign! After a rousing game of dominoes, we ordered the Strawberry bing soo for about $6. This was quite the treat. Basically a huge bowl filled with crushed ice, strawberry liquid, red bean, sesame powder, mixed fruits, strawberry icecream, and cherries. Wow, t'was a new treat for my mouth and I loved it.
The chocolate fondue was a fun dessert ($9.95). Comes with melted dark chocolate, marshmalows, icecream flavors (x 4), pretzels, and strawberries. I'm not the biggest fan for most of the dippings, but it was a lot of fun and a good price.
Come here if you want someplace to hang out, drink a coffee, grab a dessert, and don't want to hang out at a loud bar at night.
People thought this was:
outdoor cafe is the perfect place to study, straight forward enough to get work done but laid-back so you can settle in. the music sets a smooth atmosphere, and they are always up for suggestions or plugging in an occasional i-pod. it's also great for late desert dates or nights out with friends, with games like monopoly and menu items like fondue. definitely check it out! :)
i went to this cafe on a Wednesday late night for some bing soo and iced coffee. Its really not a bad hang out place; the decor does look like it was taken out of an Ikea page, plenty of couches, but just wished there was more tables for couples. Everything seemed pretty bunched up together. The strawberry bingsoo was a disappointment to me. The shaven ice wasn't really shaven, it was chunky. The syrup was way too much. The scoop of ice cream was the size of one bite. There was way too much canned fruit on it as well.
While Bryn Mawr Avenue has its hole-in-the-wall restaurants, mom and pop's laundromats, and run-down karaoke bars, there is one home-away-from-home located amongst these untidy places. Outdoor cafe is a complete transition from its surroundings. The place looks like page 28 of Ikea's Fall catalog and is complemented by light rock music: the perfect setting to share a small-bite and conversation with friends.
Not to mention, GREAT Pat Bing Soo! I'm a novice to this Korean dessert, but who wouldn't love ice cream, fresh strawberries, crushed ice, mochi, and azuki beans, drizzled with malted milk, sweetened condensed milk, liquid coccaine and hashish oil (ok, i kid about the latter 2--but it has the same overall effect!) This bad girl is plenty for two...and only ~$6.
People thought this was:
This place is ADORABLE. A friend of mine took me here when I was visiting for winter break. It is super cozy and has a wide selection of drinks--ranging from boba, to tea, to coffee and also a wide selection of desserts!!
We chatted on the new furniture (I had the same Ikea coffee table) and got fast and friendly service.
It's open late night and I would say it's a nice, easy place to hang out at. I bet in the Spring/Summer it is crackinnn.
The girl even ran out in the icy cold to give me my gloves I had left behind.
People thought this was:
This place is a nice place to sit and talk. The decor is okay I guess. The couches were definitely the ones I had my freshmen year in college so that brought back some memories. Tons of seating, but I think I might feel claustrophobic if there was one person in each seat.
I got the macchiato with a single shot and soy milk and it wasn't all that great. Shared a red bean bingsu that wasn't as great as other people said in their reviews. Maybe it was an off night? Service wasn't that fast, especially when there are only three other people in the place. She might have been new? Not sure. My friend got the ramen with seafood and really liked it. I didn't have any. He also got the chai tea and said it tasted like Christmas. I'm not a fan of chai so I didn't taste it either. Maybe I should stay away from coffee / tea places???
They do have games and internet and they play mostly indie music, but they allow you to plus your iPod in which is nice. Otherwise it's quiet on weekday nights at 9pm, except for screams when someone loses at Jenga.
There's road word around there now, so good luck with parking when it's busy.
Although my first visit didn't wow me, I'll give it another shot since it's close by.
This place was always nice but the new owners have put a lot of effort into turning the place into a really chic, cozy hang-out. It's nice to have such a place in an area devoid of much life...where you can go get coffee and a good variety of desserts with friends and not have to fight for the one couch. Come to think of it, I can't think of many other places like that in other areas. Outdoor Cafe would rock even if it was plopped down in the trendiest part of town.
They are always experimenting with new things on the menu. So if you stop in let them know what you like or don't like. The owner is very receptive to her clients and loves to chat.
Personally, I love the Gingerbread Latte and am always trying new desserts. The prices are totally reasonable.
Also, take your IPod. Sometime's she'll plug it in for a change of music.
People thought this was:
This place is my new chill spot for bubble tea. I feel like Good bubble tea is rare to find and/or even a bubble tea shop. I love the decorations in here. Very earthy with plants and calming colors. The service is a little slow so if your in a rush call ahead. It's a nice place and newly remodeled. The tapioca is always fresh!
Best pat(red bean) bing-su in Chicago, good attitude, definitely I will be back!
Don't be fooled by it's outsides!
I really liked this place. My friends and I back in the SF Bay Area love to go out on late nights for coffee, desserts, and appetizers; so being at the Outdoor cafe felt a lot like that. As we're seated I hear someone behind me say, "No, I'm not going to put this down because i know he has the 2!" (the 2's are the highest cards) I turned around and asked them if they were playing Pusoy Dos, my favorite Filipino card game, which they were. They invited me to join them, and I won the next two hands. ^_^
I ordered an almond milk tea, something I usually get back home, and a fancy cheesecake I can't remember now. I really liked the cheesecake, really beautifully plated. But sadly, I'm used to milk tea that's over ice, not blended- and I really really don't like blended drinks. It tasted great, but I'd probably order something else next time.
It's a really relaxed place that's open late and is really good for groups that just want to be out but not drop a lot of cash.
YAY! I am happy to say that since my last review I have been back here on several different occasions and they have yet to fail me once! The menus have been changed and its definitely for the better. The service....A definite improvement since I came here last. So yes they have definitely improved since the last time, I just hope they can keep it up! Oh and from what I've tasted and seen their menu is pretty yummy!
People thought this was:
Fondue: 0 Stars
Fruit Bing Soo: 5 Stars
Service: Big Fat Zero!
Drinks: 3 Stars
Decor: 3 Stars
I've been…
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Ok. Well only been once since it changed owners because Java and Mug is right next door pretty much and I like the place a lot. There was something that caused friends and I to leave Java, but it was good as we got to try the new Outdoor Cafe.
It seems a lot nicer looking now. Not so weird with the rocks and garden-like path in the place like before. The furniture looked a lot nicer and the drinks did look much better. I had a specialty drink and it was really, really good! I liked how the owner asked how the drinks were and checked on us without being overbearing.
Will definitely try again as I think the new owner is doing a great job and I'd like to go again to give a better review!
People thought this was:
I really love the look of this place. It's so cute! Sorry...although I like sports and videogames just as much as the boys, I am still an Asian girl and therefore, it's deeply implanted in my genes to gravitate towards cute adorable things.
So saying that, lets move on to the pat bing soo (which is the only thing that I get at Korean cafes pretty much). I typically get the strawberry pat bing soo and I actually like it better here than at Java & Mug (aka Time) Café mainly because the strawberries are sweeter here which is key since it's a strawberry bing soo. They also have more mee soo ka loo (not sure what the English word is but it's a powder) which I love but less ice cream, which I actually don't really mind.
Although it looks pricey, I wouldn't mind trying some of their other desserts next time I go!
People thought this was:
This place is super cute... it's an "outdoor" Korean cafe...indoors! With cobblestone/pebbles walkway and outdoor patio furniture. Very cute theme.
This is a great place to go in small groups to chill and play all sorts of different board games that they have available for you right when you walk in the door!
Get some drinks (including hot and cold bubble teas), coffee, desserts, or, of course, bing soo while you're playing games and hanging out with your friends. Fun times!
Overall:
-Atmosphere - fun and chill!
-Great for small groups to hang out
-Food/drinks - great little snacks, desserts, and drinks
-Service - friendly
-Parking - decent street parking available
Have fun!
People thought this was:
I love this place. I have been going there for years and they have the best mocha-chinos. The people are friendly and there is a nice cozy feel. The bing soos are delicious and so in the coffee ice cream... yummy.
The cafe has undergone some major change and looks way more upscale than it used to. A few new items have also been added to the menu including a cappuccino ice cream cake that isn't too sweet and some savory sandwiches. Last but not least FREE WI-FI!.
People thought this was:
A good hang out place for sure! It is also another place a lot of my friends and I know. At night time on the weekends, it can get a bit crowded and possibly hard to find somewhere to sit because a lot of people like to stay there for a while and hang out. But I haven't had too much trouble with it.
Service: depending on the waitress. The owner (female) used to be the waitress and she was okay. But now it's usually younger (high school aged) waitresses who usually serve now. They're generally nice and try their bests. I heard some of my guy friends thinking they were hot... but it's none of my concern! lol. The owner (male) is usually very courteous and will greet you as you come and go.
Decor: I know people absolutely love this place for its super asian-parisian look alike cafe. Girls will be absolutely smitten with this place, and guys will probably go there because there's a lot of girls there. lol. Personally, the cobblestone-stone walkway is a lil tricky to walk in if you have high heels. but people deal. Very uberly superbly cute indeed.
Food/drinks: I believe as of now, the bubble tea and other fruit freezes has gotten better! they do taste like they use fresh fruit now! They offer carryout versions of their drinks if you want it too. The drinks are usually less than $5. They offer green tea ice cream (which i always gobble up). They have a pretty extensive menu overall.
There's an okay variety of bubble tea drinks (they stay pretty basic. no dragonfruit-mango type drinks here). They offer the standard bubble tea drinks with fruits. And also a pretty good variety of coffees, and teas (including Korean teas which in my opinion are a little overpriced for one cup).
They also serve some basic food items: bagels, sandwiches (which are tasty), desserts, pastries, and ramyun (Korean ramen).
They also serve some pretty cutesy dessert items like sherbet in a coconut cup, a kona coffee dessert, tiramisu, and a lot more including a Korean dessert called bingsu (which is a dessert combining fruit, sweet rice cake, ice cream, shaved ice, and more). They offer the sweet red bean one (pat bingsu) (which is my favorite! don't get scared off by the name!) or a strawberry one.
Recommendations: their sandwiches are good, ice cream is standard, their bubble teas (taro, strawberry-banana), citrus Korean tea, pat bingsu, and their magazines and Scrabble game options!)
People thought this was:
I live 2 blocks north from this cafe and I've past it millions of times but never had the sense to walk in....Well i came here last night for coffee after the Hawks game and this place is super cute! It was around 1030 and we found out it was open till midnight everyday! Such a cozy place with a nice atmosphere...We only had coffee but they did have plenty of desserts...pastries....ice cream and other goodies.....Very well set up inside with light music playing in the background....The lady was really sweet also....Definitely going back again....
People thought this was:
i've never had bing soo before but im thinking i wont go anywhere else for it!
i got the fruit bing soo and shared it with a friend. it had banana, kiwi, strawberry,and a few other fruits, along with red bean, mochi chunks and of course shaved ice and condensed milk, with a scoop of ice cream and a cherry on top. it is like halo halo's cousin (a filipino version that also has jack fruit, corn, jellies, taro/ube and minus the fruit)!!!! it was a perfect size for two (it's huge) and the presentation is very nice.
i also had the almond bubble tea, ummmm i can't say it was bad, it was just not what i expected - it was a slushi with too much almond powder. i'm used to joy yee's cold almond milk tea which is as the name implies a tea so that's what i thought this would be - it was NOT.
the new owner was very nice and asked why i didn't drink my almond bubble tea and i told her it wasn't what i expected and explained it to her. she was very nice about it and understood what i was talking about, she said she was still looking for a place where she get can get that type of tea instead of the powder.
overall - i like the new management and the new decor. it's more welcoming and warm.
they just need to stock more taboo - the highschoolers in the next couch hogged it that whole time!!!!
People thought this was:
Don't be distracted by the cheesecake or ice cream here - stick to their core competencies - that is BING SOO and the ever-present bubble tea.
What's BING SOO? I was just introduced to it last night, so let me give you my neophyte's description: Shaved ice, topped with fresh fruit, a floury bean powder, mochi ice cream, and some cream. It's an incredibly tasty treat - sweet, but not overpowering, crunchy, chewey, and mild. Delicious! It combines the tastes of a snow cone with the tastes of an ice cream parfait.
As far as ambiance, prepare yourself for a stone floor and tables filled with giggly Korean teenagers. They have plenty of magazines and board games and stay open until midnight, so you can make a relaxing evening of it here. Service is a bit slow (it's a 2 person operation) but friendly when your treats arrive.
Totally unexpected on this dreary-seeming stretch of Bryn Mawr, New Outdoor Cafe is a treat!
People thought this was:
went there tonight after dinner with some girlfriends.
we ordered bunch of things; parfait, italian soda[?], rocky road ice cream, chocolate ball[?], white chocolate mocha.
Everything was WONDERFUL.
Especially the Italian soda, white chocolate mocha, and the chocolate ball, which actually turned out to be ice cream.
The presentation was beautiful, especially the parfait.
Our server was extremely sweet and super attentive.
After talking to her a bit we found out they recently changed owners and have redecorated.
I absolutely loved it here. My friends and I had a really great time and we'll definitely be back thanks to the great service and extremely delicious desserts.
People thought this was:
A place like this would never make it in LA.
The patbingsoo is mediocre. Any wayyyyyyyyyyyy too small. The drinks are bad. It's expensive.
It's cute. Sort of.
People thought this was:
I'm a big fan of the quirky decoration in this place. The floor is covered in small white rocks, with larger, circular patio stones leading to tables. There are several shelves covered in nicknacks ranging from Houston Astros beanie bears to bamboo plants. I don't get it. I don't need to.
The deserts here are excellent, though I'm convinced you can actually gain weight from just looking at the menu. They have a wide array of cakes and chocolate covered treats as well as exceptional bubble tea.
The prices here are reasonable, and really the only thing holding Outdoor Cafe back from 4 stars in my book is the sub-par service. The waitresses seem to be efficient but disinterested. There is a bit of a language barrier, which may explain the lack of pleasantries and charisma, but I don't think that's the entire explanation.
People thought this was:
My friend introduced me to this place and dessert not too long ago, so I will have to temper my enthusiasm (given my neophyte status) and give this place 4 stars. I had never had a proper patbingsoo (aka babingsoo) before (for the uninitiated, pat [pronounced like "paht"] is red bean) and I regret that I've been missing out on this dessert for a very long time.
I have only had the strawberry patbingsoo here and it is a great summer treat. It consists of shaved ice, fresh strawberries, some canned fruit, mochi pieces, (sweet) red beans, nutty powder (that I lack a translation for), a scoop of strawberry ice cream completed with colorful sprinkles and a maraschino cherry. This concoction can sound rather intimidating but it tastes divine.
People thought this was:
Decor is a bit strange.. but the shaved ice (paht-bing-soo) is cheap and good (around $5) for shaved ice, with ice cream, condensed milk, mochi, red bean, and a choice of fruit or strawberries. My favorite is the strawberry shaved ice.
They also make warm bubble (tapioca) tea pretty well.
And for entertainment, you can play a game of Scrabble, dominoes, or puruse their selection of korean magazines/books.
Service was also good.
People thought this was:
Can I say, Yum?! Dudes...this place was so "outdoor" that a little bird flew in while my friends and I were enjoying our desserts! The girl at the counter had to shoo it out...free entertainment though! I felt like I was in a wacky k drama! I had the tiramisu and a cafe latte. Both were delicious!
People thought this was:
It's a cute place to go for those hard to find korean bing soo desserts. They also have cakes, coffee, lattes and tea, but I just come here for the BING SOO. The interior of the place is also pretty cool with the pebbles and cobblestone walkway. People like to come here and use the internet as well, they have games, and magazines. Definitely a place to just chill.
People thought this was:
Inside is literally like you're outside because the seating and floor is like what you would have on your patio.
Can be a romantic place. Last time I went with my fiance and they were playing piano music and not too many people were there so it was very quiet. They have games available and open pretty late. Some patio type seating and some booth type seating for bigger groups.
Only bad thing is they don't accept credit cards and street parking can be pretty hard to find.
I always get their milk tea: hot or cold since I like it so much. And you get a good amount too. It's the latte kind so it's not pure liquid, just a note. I usually prefer all liquid but this one tastes pretty good so I make an exception. I hear their patbingsoo (this shaved ice with ice cream and sometimes red bean and fruit dessert ...similar to what the chinese have) is okay too for those koreans that like that. Their other desserts are okay too.
I've been missing the Asian dessert houses I frequented more often in San Francisco, and this one is right in line. Yummy desserts, check (Red Bean Bing Soo). Asian clientele, check. Magazines and board games, check. Comfortable "outdoor" decor inside? Interesting.
People thought this was:
I've been going to Outdoor since high school. It's a very nicely done cafe with interesting drink offerings. Believe it or not, there's quite a wait on Friday and Saturday nights... Decor is cute and creative, and the staff is friendly. Try the green tea ice cream, ba-bing soo (best in the city), red date tea and specialty iced coffees. They even have a few scrabble boards... I'm a fan.
People thought this was:
As everyone on yelp here seems to know, the thing to get here is the Red Bean Bing Soo. I'm also a big fan and come here every once in a while to introduce a friend to this strange korean dessert. Plus, they're open until midnight!
People thought this was:
Cute place, but I almost busted my head on that cobblestone pathway when you walk in. My friends and I ordered the fondue, which came with marshmallows, assorted fruit, and three scoops of ice cream. Delish. There are TONS of options on the menu, so this is a dessert lover's paradise!
Ive only been here twice, once had bagels and the other time ordered chamomille tea, both times relaxed n played scrabble (they have board games n magazines to choose from, which is pretty cool) the decor is implied by its name, it feels like an enclosed garden w the patio furniture and stone walkways... minus one star cuz some items seem overpriced, but nice place to grab a bite, relax n chat for a bit.
I always go here for one thing and one thing only....their wonderful Red Bean Bing Soo. It is soooo delicious and huge! Well, I think it's huge since I can never finish one by myself. I always share one with my boyfriend; he always helps me out and eats the vanilla ice cream since I don't like vanilla. Aside from the vanilla ice cream, the bing soo is a healthy treat with an abundance of fresh fruit . Outdoor Cafe is a relaxed, casual atmosphere with many things to do....read a magazine, play one of their many board games, or just chill out. It's a great dessert place to go to after a meal.
People thought this was:
I come here every so often, everyone loves the Bing Soo but I just can never wrap my head around having beans or anything bean related for dessert. That being said, the other desserts they have are pretty good and even though I'm not a fan the Bing Soo is a good dessert option. Definitely a good place to bring a group and spend some good group bonding time.
People thought this was:
I came here in the evening a few times - literally, once you step inside, you feel as if you really in an 'outdoor cafe' - there are stepping granite blocks, a few cafe tables, and a few couches (that doesn't really add to the whole 'outdoor' theme, but caters to larger groups of people). The place itself is small, so don't expect to host some party here. It is a Korean cafe, and Korean-owned. The specialty here is probably their pot bing soo, which is a Korean dessert in which it comes in an oversized brandy glass with shaved ice, a schoop of vanilla ice cream, sweet red bean, mochi, and canned cocktail fruit pieces. It is of a considerable size, and lovely if you share with another person, or you can gobble it down yourself. I do prefer the pot bing soo at Time Coffee, but if that place gets packed, here can be another option. It is about $7. You can also get coffee, shakes, smoothies, or tea as well. It is filled with a mix of people, and not only caters to Koreans.
People thought this was:
Interesting decor - a bit mismatched but the tea and desserts are good. Different tea flavors include ginger, citron, and ginseng, and even jujube. Parking is usually easy to find around here.
Neighborhood: North Park
Category: Restaurants
Neighborhood: North Park
Category: Coffee & Tea
Neighborhood: Lincoln Square
Category: Korean
Neighborhood: Lakeview
Category: Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt
Neighborhood: Lincoln Park
Category: Coffee & Tea
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