Monday, February 27, 2017
It's been at least a month since we have gotten together for Dim Sum. Everyone is so busy it seems to harder to schedule. So off to the Seafood Palace in Westminister in spite of the raining weather.
Started out with Shrimp Dumplings and then onto the Sticky Rice with Chinese Sausage wrapped in Lotus Leaves. A couple of staples for us. Followed by fried calamari
Had the stir fried lobster over fat noodles again. Lobster season so pricing is good.
Then our complimentary spicy, sour soup. It the spot today with the drizzelerly weather we are having.
Last dish was Beef with Fat Noodles and Bok Choy.
Topped it off with a couple of plates of egg tarts for dessert.
I brought a 2009 L'Adventure Optimus along with what was left in the Torti White Pinot Noir that I brought to dinner last night.
Rounded out with a 2015 Freidrich Becker, Pfalz, Germany, Petit Rose, A blend of Pinot Noir, Portugeser and Dornfelder. This was a very good Rose.
2010 McKeon Phillips, BPR, Cabernet Sauvignon and a 2012 Kivet Stadt, Sonoma, Father Watch, Red Blend.
Monday, February 27, 2017
Cafe Bizou and the Skirball
Sunday. February 26, 2017
Met at the Skirball Center for the exhibit of Roy Lichtenstein works. Pop culture artist in the 60's, 70', 80's. Small exhibit but quite interesting. We had time to take in some of the other gallerys at The Skirball before heading down the freeway to Sherman Oaks for dinner at Cafe Bizou. www.cafebizou.com.
Eight of us for dinner tonight and nice array of wine. Menu heavy on seafood. I had the Parmesan encrusted Alaskan sanddabs for dinner. Good selection for me.
The wines were eclectic . Broad range.
2011 Clos Pepe, Sta. Rita Hills, Pinot Noir, sluty
2009 Clos Pepe, Sta . Rita Hills, Pinot Noir, voluptuous
2008 Cade, Napa Cabernet Sauvignon, very good, could have gone several more years
1014 Torti White Pinot Noir, excellent with the seafood
2009 Williams Selyem, Rochioli, Pinot Noir, best red of the night
2013 Sanford, Block 5, Pinot Noir, good but young
NV Launois, Quartz, Grand Cru, Brut, outstanding
We were entertained by one of our dining companions, Rich who is a professional magican. He even got up and did a small performance for the table next to us who were celebrating a birthday.
Met at the Skirball Center for the exhibit of Roy Lichtenstein works. Pop culture artist in the 60's, 70', 80's. Small exhibit but quite interesting. We had time to take in some of the other gallerys at The Skirball before heading down the freeway to Sherman Oaks for dinner at Cafe Bizou. www.cafebizou.com.
Eight of us for dinner tonight and nice array of wine. Menu heavy on seafood. I had the Parmesan encrusted Alaskan sanddabs for dinner. Good selection for me.
The wines were eclectic . Broad range.
2011 Clos Pepe, Sta. Rita Hills, Pinot Noir, sluty
2009 Clos Pepe, Sta . Rita Hills, Pinot Noir, voluptuous
2008 Cade, Napa Cabernet Sauvignon, very good, could have gone several more years
1014 Torti White Pinot Noir, excellent with the seafood
2009 Williams Selyem, Rochioli, Pinot Noir, best red of the night
2013 Sanford, Block 5, Pinot Noir, good but young
NV Launois, Quartz, Grand Cru, Brut, outstanding
We were entertained by one of our dining companions, Rich who is a professional magican. He even got up and did a small performance for the table next to us who were celebrating a birthday.
Friday, February 24, 2017
Wine Dinner at Il Farro
Wednesday, February 22, 2017
Susan and Ciro hosted another wine dinner tonight at Il Farro in Newport. www.ilfarro.com.,
This may be a monthly event. They have scheduled another one for March. But I have already committed to another wine dinner at that same date .
We started out with the 3 appetizers or amuse bouches - whatever strikes you. Stuffed crab mushrooms, Crostini di Polenta al Goronzola and Calzonico di Mozzarella. By time I took my picture of them they were getting cold. But an interesting trio of bites. These were paired with a 2016 Col Reale Bianco. Very soft, plush mouth feel and definite flavor of apricot and green apple. Not my style but a nice wine for summer.
Next was the salad. Pesce di Mare in Insalata. salad with octopus, calamari, mussels, scallops and shrimp with lemon and EVOO. I did like this dish. Loads of flavors, fresh greens and a really nice light tartness to it. The wine was a 2014 Burchino Bianco. Light, crisp, tart. Did pair well with the food.
The Primo Piatto was one of my favorites of the evening. Gnocchetti di barbnabietola ai Porcini. Handmade beef dumplings with a procini mushroom sauce. Decadent and loads of earthy flavors. Dumplings were very tender. Paired a 2011 Burchino Rosa with it. Good pairing, earthy tones to the wine.
Next up was the Secondo Piatto - Arrostyo di maiale al Vin Santo. Pork roast medallions with a reduction sauce of Vin Santo dessert wine, Farro and broccoli. My least like dish. I thought the pork was over cooked and a bit on the dry side. A 2008 Catellani Chianti Classico Riserva was poured. Big wine.
Dessert was a disappointment. A Cherry tarte with a caramel reduction. Found the cake was very dry and it just did not have enough sauce on it to make up for it. The wine also was way to sweet for me. A Sangue Di Giuda.
Dining companions were a unique group of people. An architect who likes the same style that I do. A couple that have 3 homes. Newport, Mammoth and 10,000 square foot house behind gates in Rowland Heights. Interesting conversations tonight.
A good evening. Did not buy and of the wines on the menu tonight but did strike a deal with the distributor to get a case of the Torti White Pinot Noir that I bought 4 bottles of last month. That wine was so good. Glad I could get some more at the same price.
Susan and Ciro hosted another wine dinner tonight at Il Farro in Newport. www.ilfarro.com.,
This may be a monthly event. They have scheduled another one for March. But I have already committed to another wine dinner at that same date .
We started out with the 3 appetizers or amuse bouches - whatever strikes you. Stuffed crab mushrooms, Crostini di Polenta al Goronzola and Calzonico di Mozzarella. By time I took my picture of them they were getting cold. But an interesting trio of bites. These were paired with a 2016 Col Reale Bianco. Very soft, plush mouth feel and definite flavor of apricot and green apple. Not my style but a nice wine for summer.
Next was the salad. Pesce di Mare in Insalata. salad with octopus, calamari, mussels, scallops and shrimp with lemon and EVOO. I did like this dish. Loads of flavors, fresh greens and a really nice light tartness to it. The wine was a 2014 Burchino Bianco. Light, crisp, tart. Did pair well with the food.
The Primo Piatto was one of my favorites of the evening. Gnocchetti di barbnabietola ai Porcini. Handmade beef dumplings with a procini mushroom sauce. Decadent and loads of earthy flavors. Dumplings were very tender. Paired a 2011 Burchino Rosa with it. Good pairing, earthy tones to the wine.
Next up was the Secondo Piatto - Arrostyo di maiale al Vin Santo. Pork roast medallions with a reduction sauce of Vin Santo dessert wine, Farro and broccoli. My least like dish. I thought the pork was over cooked and a bit on the dry side. A 2008 Catellani Chianti Classico Riserva was poured. Big wine.
Dessert was a disappointment. A Cherry tarte with a caramel reduction. Found the cake was very dry and it just did not have enough sauce on it to make up for it. The wine also was way to sweet for me. A Sangue Di Giuda.
Dining companions were a unique group of people. An architect who likes the same style that I do. A couple that have 3 homes. Newport, Mammoth and 10,000 square foot house behind gates in Rowland Heights. Interesting conversations tonight.
A good evening. Did not buy and of the wines on the menu tonight but did strike a deal with the distributor to get a case of the Torti White Pinot Noir that I bought 4 bottles of last month. That wine was so good. Glad I could get some more at the same price.
Monday, February 20, 2017
Brunch at James Republic
Sunday, February 19, 2017
Hopped over to James Republic to try their Sunday brunch - so impressed with the food for dinner that this was a must try. www,jamesrepublic.com.
Limited but interesting menu. I had the Huevos Rancheros. Served in a bowl. Bottom was a tortilla with a chili verde salsa , then beans and Cotjia cheese and shaved savory cabbage. Then pork belly and a poached egg. Flavors were excellent. Serving size is not large but it was more than adequate for me.
Had a glass of sparkling - noticed that the waitress did not come back and ask if I wanted another when the glass was empty. At first I would have had that second glass but as time went on it wasn't necessary.
I prefer this place for dinner. Brunch was good but it did not blow my socks off like dinner did.
Hopped over to James Republic to try their Sunday brunch - so impressed with the food for dinner that this was a must try. www,jamesrepublic.com.
Limited but interesting menu. I had the Huevos Rancheros. Served in a bowl. Bottom was a tortilla with a chili verde salsa , then beans and Cotjia cheese and shaved savory cabbage. Then pork belly and a poached egg. Flavors were excellent. Serving size is not large but it was more than adequate for me.
Had a glass of sparkling - noticed that the waitress did not come back and ask if I wanted another when the glass was empty. At first I would have had that second glass but as time went on it wasn't necessary.
I prefer this place for dinner. Brunch was good but it did not blow my socks off like dinner did.
Water Grill in Costa Mesa
Saturday, February 18, 2017
This was Margie's selection for her monthly dinner. The building was the old Scott's Seafood in Costa Mesa that closed last year after a really long run. Did not like to see it shut down, I always enjoyed eating there. I loved the ambiance. The Kings Fish Co took over the building and opened it up at one of their Water Grills. www.watergrill.com,
The renovations are beautiful but they lost the quiet of Scotts. Hard surfaces, open ceiling with duct work. Noise level was unbearable. I would never go back. Too bad because the food was excellent. The noise level was so high that you had to put your mouth up to the ear of the person next to you . Not good for an enjoyable dinner. The wait staff had its ups and downs also. We had one waiter that was very professional and acted it. The other must have been a part time college boy who was only looking for a job and did not care about what it was.
I ordered the Chilean Sea Bass and the fish was cooked perfectly. It was excellent but came on a bit of puree with a few nuts sprinkled on it. That was all folks - sides were all extra. I ordered a side of Polenta with Fontina Cheese which was cooked in a cast iron ramekin. It also was excellent. But three weeks ago I had Chilean Sea Bass at Fish Company in Los Alamitos and for the same money of the fish alone at Water Grill I had the fish, special sauce and two sides at Fish Company. Same quality.
The one bright spot at Water Grill was no corkage. All the restaurants in the company umbrella have that same policy.
I brought a 2008 Clos Pepe VS, Sta Rita Hills, Pinot Noir. Not as good as the 07 or 09 but still a very tasty wine. I also brought a 2012 Huber, Sta Rita Hills, "Hafen" Dornfelder port. I only got to taste about a fifth of the wines for two reasons. I will not drink oaky chardonnays and at one time the other end of the table (there were 12 of us) had all but 2 wines in front of them. I never saw what was brought because they did not move.
Other wines brought were:
2014 Evans Ranch, Sta Rita Hills, Chardonnay - very oaky
2015 Rombauer, Caneros, Chardonnay - did not taste
2012 Domaine Felines Jourdan, - Picpoul de Pinet, Langedoc - did not taste
2013 Foxen, Tinaquaic Vineyard, Santa Maria Valley, Chardonnay - did not taste
2013 Anthill Farms, Abby Harris Vineyard, Pinot Noir - did not taste
2015 Dr. Loosen, Blue Slate, Kabinett, Riesling - did not taste
2013 Wiens, Riverside County, Reserve Cabernet Franc - did not taste
2012 Schramsberg, Blanc de Blanc - also a winner
2014 Kosta Browne, Santa Lucia Highlansd Pinot Noir - nice wine but way to young
2013 Rombauer, Proprietor Selection, Chardonnay - did not taste
2013 Evening Land, Eola-Amity Hills, Oregon, Pinot Noir - typical Oregon Pinot
2014 Kosta Browne, Sonoma County, Pinot Noir - again way too young
This was Margie's selection for her monthly dinner. The building was the old Scott's Seafood in Costa Mesa that closed last year after a really long run. Did not like to see it shut down, I always enjoyed eating there. I loved the ambiance. The Kings Fish Co took over the building and opened it up at one of their Water Grills. www.watergrill.com,
The renovations are beautiful but they lost the quiet of Scotts. Hard surfaces, open ceiling with duct work. Noise level was unbearable. I would never go back. Too bad because the food was excellent. The noise level was so high that you had to put your mouth up to the ear of the person next to you . Not good for an enjoyable dinner. The wait staff had its ups and downs also. We had one waiter that was very professional and acted it. The other must have been a part time college boy who was only looking for a job and did not care about what it was.
I ordered the Chilean Sea Bass and the fish was cooked perfectly. It was excellent but came on a bit of puree with a few nuts sprinkled on it. That was all folks - sides were all extra. I ordered a side of Polenta with Fontina Cheese which was cooked in a cast iron ramekin. It also was excellent. But three weeks ago I had Chilean Sea Bass at Fish Company in Los Alamitos and for the same money of the fish alone at Water Grill I had the fish, special sauce and two sides at Fish Company. Same quality.
The one bright spot at Water Grill was no corkage. All the restaurants in the company umbrella have that same policy.
I brought a 2008 Clos Pepe VS, Sta Rita Hills, Pinot Noir. Not as good as the 07 or 09 but still a very tasty wine. I also brought a 2012 Huber, Sta Rita Hills, "Hafen" Dornfelder port. I only got to taste about a fifth of the wines for two reasons. I will not drink oaky chardonnays and at one time the other end of the table (there were 12 of us) had all but 2 wines in front of them. I never saw what was brought because they did not move.
Other wines brought were:
2014 Evans Ranch, Sta Rita Hills, Chardonnay - very oaky
2015 Rombauer, Caneros, Chardonnay - did not taste
2012 Domaine Felines Jourdan, - Picpoul de Pinet, Langedoc - did not taste
2013 Foxen, Tinaquaic Vineyard, Santa Maria Valley, Chardonnay - did not taste
2013 Anthill Farms, Abby Harris Vineyard, Pinot Noir - did not taste
2015 Dr. Loosen, Blue Slate, Kabinett, Riesling - did not taste
2013 Wiens, Riverside County, Reserve Cabernet Franc - did not taste
2012 Schramsberg, Blanc de Blanc - also a winner
2014 Kosta Browne, Santa Lucia Highlansd Pinot Noir - nice wine but way to young
2013 Rombauer, Proprietor Selection, Chardonnay - did not taste
2013 Evening Land, Eola-Amity Hills, Oregon, Pinot Noir - typical Oregon Pinot
2014 Kosta Browne, Sonoma County, Pinot Noir - again way too young
February Wino's Soiree
It was my turn to host the "wino's", My theme for the day was "Wines Rated 94 to 100". It always insures some really good wines on the table. The dollar amount is not an issue. We had two wines from the 90's. A 96 Chateau Soucherie Cote de Layon and a 99 Opus One. The Soucherie was pleasant but nothing outstanding. The Opus was a huge disappointment. Over the hill. Too bad the owner did not open it up 3 years ago. It was probably just at its prime. That is what happens when we save a bottle for a "special" occasion. The occasion has come an gone numerous times and you are still waiting. My take on it now is I am the special occasion and I have no problem opening a really good wine just for myself.
A 2001 Joseph Phelps Insignia held it's own. Still had fruit, very soft tannins and good balance.
A total of 24 wines on the table. Hard to remember them all.
As host I made the main dish. White Chicken Chili. No tomatoes at all. Liquid was a combination of broth, sour cream and heavy cream,. Seemed to be well received as it was almost gone at the end of the day.
A 2001 Joseph Phelps Insignia held it's own. Still had fruit, very soft tannins and good balance.
A total of 24 wines on the table. Hard to remember them all.
As host I made the main dish. White Chicken Chili. No tomatoes at all. Liquid was a combination of broth, sour cream and heavy cream,. Seemed to be well received as it was almost gone at the end of the day.
Sunday, February 5, 2017
New Restaurants This Week
I tried two new restaurants this week and returned to an old favorite.
Monday night was at Fish Company in Los Alamitos. Had not been there in years and I had forgotten how good their fish is. A birthday dinner for a friend and 8 of us gathered to celebrate. I had the Chilean Sea Bass which was excellent. Murphy Goode Fume Blanc and Miraval Rose tonight. I need to remember to stop in and purchase some of their New England Clam Chowder. It is truly the best.
Friday night 7 of us went to a new restaurant in Long Beach called 4th and Olive. Alsatian style food. The sausages are all house made as is the pate. I had the mussels which were good. I have had better but I have had worse. But no spoon, fork only. Questioned the owner later and he said it was supposed to served with a spoon. I also thought they should have included some bread to sop up the juices. Those who opted for the sausages and pate raved about them. The place has only been one less than two months and I have to say the really need to work the kinks out. Food came out piece meal. The wait staff is enthusiastic but seems to lack detail experience. Owner is a disabled vet who hires other vets. Parking sucks. In a densely populated area of town that does not have enough parking for the residents much less restaurant patrons. City is not doing them any favors by dragging out a permit for valet parking. Will go back in another month and try again.
Saturday night 3 of us went to James Republic in downtown Long Beach. Upbeat, noisy and really good staff. Eclectic range of cocktails and interesting wine list. Menu changes everyday. We shared dishes to get an idea of the food. Started out with the Kennebec Pommes Frittes. Cheesy and garlic aioli really made the dish.
Brussels Sprouts, fried with frilly mustard greens, mustard crème fraiche, hazelnuts and a poached egg on top. Excellent.
Sunchoke Soup, roasted pumpkin . pepitas, chives, pumpkin seed oil and crispy shallots. Again excellent..
Tagliatelle with uni (sea urchin), guanciale and parmesan. Repeat - excellent.
Oxtail Cavatelli, dececcio broccoli, enoke mushrooms and percorino. -excellent dish again.
The best of the night - a good ole hamburger. Grass fed beef cooked perfectly to medium rare, onion jam, fancy sauce, house pickles, fiscalini white cheddar. Bun was very good,
I had a glass of Rack and Riddle, Blanc de blanc and a glass of Harrington Pinot Noir. Others had the "North of The Wall" old fashion with glenrothes vintage reserve single malt, vanilla and cardamom. I tasted this drink and it was very good. But I personally do not like cocktails with dinner.
Definitely will come to James Republic again and will order the burger.
Monday night was at Fish Company in Los Alamitos. Had not been there in years and I had forgotten how good their fish is. A birthday dinner for a friend and 8 of us gathered to celebrate. I had the Chilean Sea Bass which was excellent. Murphy Goode Fume Blanc and Miraval Rose tonight. I need to remember to stop in and purchase some of their New England Clam Chowder. It is truly the best.
Friday night 7 of us went to a new restaurant in Long Beach called 4th and Olive. Alsatian style food. The sausages are all house made as is the pate. I had the mussels which were good. I have had better but I have had worse. But no spoon, fork only. Questioned the owner later and he said it was supposed to served with a spoon. I also thought they should have included some bread to sop up the juices. Those who opted for the sausages and pate raved about them. The place has only been one less than two months and I have to say the really need to work the kinks out. Food came out piece meal. The wait staff is enthusiastic but seems to lack detail experience. Owner is a disabled vet who hires other vets. Parking sucks. In a densely populated area of town that does not have enough parking for the residents much less restaurant patrons. City is not doing them any favors by dragging out a permit for valet parking. Will go back in another month and try again.
Saturday night 3 of us went to James Republic in downtown Long Beach. Upbeat, noisy and really good staff. Eclectic range of cocktails and interesting wine list. Menu changes everyday. We shared dishes to get an idea of the food. Started out with the Kennebec Pommes Frittes. Cheesy and garlic aioli really made the dish.
Brussels Sprouts, fried with frilly mustard greens, mustard crème fraiche, hazelnuts and a poached egg on top. Excellent.
Sunchoke Soup, roasted pumpkin . pepitas, chives, pumpkin seed oil and crispy shallots. Again excellent..
Tagliatelle with uni (sea urchin), guanciale and parmesan. Repeat - excellent.
Oxtail Cavatelli, dececcio broccoli, enoke mushrooms and percorino. -excellent dish again.
The best of the night - a good ole hamburger. Grass fed beef cooked perfectly to medium rare, onion jam, fancy sauce, house pickles, fiscalini white cheddar. Bun was very good,
I had a glass of Rack and Riddle, Blanc de blanc and a glass of Harrington Pinot Noir. Others had the "North of The Wall" old fashion with glenrothes vintage reserve single malt, vanilla and cardamom. I tasted this drink and it was very good. But I personally do not like cocktails with dinner.
Definitely will come to James Republic again and will order the burger.
Friday, February 3, 2017
Sullivan Wine Dinner at Chianina
Wednesday, February 1, 2017
Nice to get back to being social. Was down a solid week with a nasty head cold and had to cancelled numerous reservations that I had made.
Sullivan wines were new to me. Small, Napa based winery, 4500 case production. Wines were good but pricey. Ross Sullivan the owner and winemaker was in attendance and came around to all the tables and chatted for quite awhile.
We started out with a Duo of Hamachi, raw and cooked with fennel, apple and brown butter. Delightful bites. Thoroughly enjoyed this dish. Wine was a 2015 Sauvignon Blanc. Light minerality, light acid and paired very well with the food flavors.
Second course we were poured a 2015 Chardonnay. Little oaky but went well with the fattiness of the Monk Fish. Piquillo pepper, chorizo and yukon gold potatoes rounded out this plate. Flavors were really intense on this dish. Very good.
Next was Cavatelli - hand rolled pasta with black truffle, egg yolk and grana. Very rich dish. Paired with a 2012 Merlot. I am starting to get filled up. Maybe I should not have had that 3rd roll with the Marscapone butter.
A 2013 Red Blend "Coeur De Vigne" wine was served with the fourth course. Liberty Farm Duck breast, cherry and mushroom duxelle and rutabaga two ways, puree and sliced. The wine was a blend of Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petite Verdot. Duck was excellent, extremely tender. Had two bites and had it packed to go.
Fifth course I had one bite also and had them pack it up to go. I just cannot eat anymore. The wine was a 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon and paired with a Chianina Rib Eye with variations of brocoili and walnut - fried and puree. Very flavorful and tender.
They also came around and poured wine from a Magnum of 2002 Cabernet out of the library. Massimo made the mistake of leaving the bottle on our table. Big difference in the ten years and size. Very good.
Dessert was a Cheese course with Camembert , a pecan brittle, black berry and honey. I did eat this. small portions and not overly filling. I just know it was those salted honey rolls that did me in.
Another excellent dinner at Chianina. www.chianina.com.
Pricey but good. service was good, food was great and wines were very good. Looking forward to next months wine dinner at Chianina.
Nice to get back to being social. Was down a solid week with a nasty head cold and had to cancelled numerous reservations that I had made.
Sullivan wines were new to me. Small, Napa based winery, 4500 case production. Wines were good but pricey. Ross Sullivan the owner and winemaker was in attendance and came around to all the tables and chatted for quite awhile.
We started out with a Duo of Hamachi, raw and cooked with fennel, apple and brown butter. Delightful bites. Thoroughly enjoyed this dish. Wine was a 2015 Sauvignon Blanc. Light minerality, light acid and paired very well with the food flavors.
Second course we were poured a 2015 Chardonnay. Little oaky but went well with the fattiness of the Monk Fish. Piquillo pepper, chorizo and yukon gold potatoes rounded out this plate. Flavors were really intense on this dish. Very good.
Next was Cavatelli - hand rolled pasta with black truffle, egg yolk and grana. Very rich dish. Paired with a 2012 Merlot. I am starting to get filled up. Maybe I should not have had that 3rd roll with the Marscapone butter.
A 2013 Red Blend "Coeur De Vigne" wine was served with the fourth course. Liberty Farm Duck breast, cherry and mushroom duxelle and rutabaga two ways, puree and sliced. The wine was a blend of Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petite Verdot. Duck was excellent, extremely tender. Had two bites and had it packed to go.
Fifth course I had one bite also and had them pack it up to go. I just cannot eat anymore. The wine was a 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon and paired with a Chianina Rib Eye with variations of brocoili and walnut - fried and puree. Very flavorful and tender.
They also came around and poured wine from a Magnum of 2002 Cabernet out of the library. Massimo made the mistake of leaving the bottle on our table. Big difference in the ten years and size. Very good.
Dessert was a Cheese course with Camembert , a pecan brittle, black berry and honey. I did eat this. small portions and not overly filling. I just know it was those salted honey rolls that did me in.
Another excellent dinner at Chianina. www.chianina.com.
Pricey but good. service was good, food was great and wines were very good. Looking forward to next months wine dinner at Chianina.
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