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This is where my wife and I had our first date back in 2019. We loved it then and we love it now. And of course we've been bringing friends and family here since then, and mind you, we don't live in Long Beach so we drive quite a way to come here! The food alone is worth the drive! But also being in this part of Long Beach is a pretty sweet location, given the different shops and bars and the walkability and vibe in the area. The service is typically good whenever we've been here. 10/10 recommend.
So we came here since they have gluten free options for my sister and niece. However, their ac was not working very well. It was quite toasty inside though. I do wish it has AC since it was warm outside. The server was very friendly but we also waited awhile for our food. This place had been recommended to me years ago. It's street parking so good luck. The flash fried cauliflower was very good and we all enjoyed it. I just wish it was a little warmer. We also got the Open Sesame Combo-with beef kabob and chicken, garlic sauce, parsley, sumac, basmati rice; and Ali's Favorite -prime top sirloin, spicy roasted tomato, onion, basmati rice. However their rice is no GF so we couldn't get that but I asked for more salad instead and they wanted to charge $3 more, really. That seemed a bit silly. I should be able to get a diff't side if I can't get rice. It wasn't even a premium side. Whatever. The flavors were good and we enjoyed our meal. Busy restaurant. Worth a try.
Gets my vote every time! I'm a regular at Open Sesame and absolutely love their food. It's always consistent, flavorful, good portions, and friendly staff. The Lebanese culture if felt through the restaurant and music is playing in every room. I love the ambiance too. Perfect for lunch, date night, or casual dinner.
I'm glad that I tried this place during the summer stroll in Belmont shore so I had to come and visit see what they're all about. I ordered the Sultan which came with lamb chops, filet mignon and grilled shrimp which your choice of dip and salad. I chose the hummus and tabouleh My friend ordered the beef kofta we got these potatoes super good. I like citrusy and hanging these potatoes came out surprised, but I didn't like was a two dollar up charge on the garlic dip the garlic dip that they gave you in the beginning. I thought that was free, but it wasn't. Come here on a Friday night so this place gets pretty packed
So I was out here last week flown out from Sacramento airport (I live in Stockton CA) visiting Long Beach staying at a successful friends crib and I had a great time and had too much great food. So.. Mediterranean/ Arab type food... have I had it before? Not quite really but we stopped by this place and I snapped a photo but quite can't remember the name but I know it's kebab and something else like beef as medium - and one thing I was taught by the SoCal homie is get your steak medium, or medium rare if you fancy - and not chicken as a main .. dish but maybe as a side. And from what I was told Mediterranean food is kinda healthy. I straight up devoured this plate clean and it was delicious. Very delicious and yes I'm back in NorCal and I couldn't find anything near me that compares so I'd have to go out of town. But this experience and food here at open sesame is worth stopping by for good eats. And when we were done the waitress asked if we'd like to rinse our hands- she got this wand of some sort out and sprinkled it and the water had some scent. Now that's world class customer service and surely tip well generously. I plan to come to visit Long Beach every summer to get out from the hellfire 100+ degree heat in the Central Valley in Stockton and then damn mosquitoes- and likely we will dine here again!
I can't believe it took me this long to try Open Sesame! I'm a CSULB alumni and walked past this charming restaurant so many times. So glad I finally got to stop by many years later for dinner! Parking was easy (on a weeknight). Plenty of street parking and many open meters but I can see it being very difficult on weekends. Bake in some time to find parking! There's both indoor and outdoor seating at this location. This inside is cozy and there's a second room for additional seating. I went on a Thursday night and it was slammed. They do not take reservations but they do have a waitlist via toast that you can join while you walk around and wait for your table. Plenty to do and see on 2nd street. We ordered the party platter for 4 people! It was the perfect amount of food with leftovers to take home. Everything was cooked to PERFECTION. Our beef was a textbook medium rare and was so juicy and tender, as was the rest of the meat. The chicken was so moist and flavorful, as was all the shawarma. All meats were seasoned beautifully. The rice underneath was stunning as well and really caught all the juices from the meat on top. The roasted tomatoes, onions, and pickles were the perfect compliments to help freshen up the palette during the meal. The sauces were amazing and there was a clear favorite (the garlic sauce) which was annihilated by all four of us. Service was friendly! It was very packed so it was slow at times but understandably so. They come by and give you orange blossom water for your hands post meal - what a treat! We smelled amazing! NO NOTES FOR OPEN SESAME! I have to come back with more friends! We did have an issue but it was with another patron who had the audacity to yell at my table (while I was in the restroom) for "having too much fun"?!?! This is a public restaurant and it was loud as hell in there because it's tight and everyone talks over each other, not to mention the open kitchen. The energy in the restaurant is exciting and frenetic. If you want a quiet dinner f*cking STAY HOME and leave the streets to those of us who have had a WEEK and want to enjoy a fun dinner with friends. We will be back and we will have even MORE FUN, xoxo.
Walked in at 6:30 with no reservation and was seated immediately. Service was great and food was delicious and filling. Had the Flash Fried Cauliflower and it came with a dip and it was so yummy. We both got the Open Sesame combo, one with beef kafta and one with chicken kafta. Both with open sesame salad. There was also complementary pita that our waitress refilled when empty. Overall super quick service and delicious food, would definitely come back.
We stopped by here on a weekday because it was one of the dog-friendly restaurants near Rosie's Dog Beach. They have multiple outside seating areas where you can sit with your doggo. Ambiance (5/5): Although we didn't sit inside, it was super cute, with classy boho vibes. The restroom was clean and well-decorated (although, not gonna lie, I don't know how I felt about the big mirror facing the toilet). The outside patio area was airy, and although right by the street, I didn't find it unpleasant. Service (3/5): It was just so-so. They sat us down quickly, gave us our menus and checked on us maybe twice. It wasn't super busy, but we had to wait to ask for things like extra plates and water for our dog. Food Overall (5/5): Food was delicious. We got the beef shawarma lunch special and got fries for the side (extra charge) and also the chicken shawarma lunch special with the hummus side. Beef Shawarma (4/5): It had a nice toasty flavor, perhaps from the spices, and the pickled veggies really complemented it. My only complaint was that I wish it had a bit more of the white sauce (maybe adding more hummus would have helped). It was also strangely a bit watery, maybe from the veggies. Overall, it was still a yummy wrap. Chicken Shawarma (5/5): The chicken shawarma tasted more balanced to me overall. I don't recall the meat being dry, although I did also slather it with a bit of hummus. I thoroughly enjoyed this wrap. Fries side (5/5): Their fries are made in house and it tastes so fresh. It was crispy on the outside yet still gooey and moist on the inside. I'm not sure if they make their own ketchup too, as it looked clumpier and tasted really fresh too. The kids gobbled this up. Hummus and pita (5/5): It came with a generous amount of both hummus and pita. The hummus was well flavored and blended, and it really complemented everything on the table. The pocket pita bread was not what I had in mind (I'm used to thicker ones), but the kids really loved it overall. Ice cream (4.5/5): We ordered two scoops from the dessert menu. They were both really thick, creamy and almost chewy like liquidized mochi. It was a very interesting texture but nonetheless a nice tasty treat on a hot day. I much preferred the vanilla bean, as the pistachio tasted and looked rather artificial (and I'm a pistachio ice cream lover). This place had so many to-go orders during the afternoon we were there. I can see why. Food is super fresh and tasty. I think we will be back the next time we are visiting.
The Lebanese food was perfect. The Shawarma had the perfect amount of seasoning, the hummus was delicious, and the salad was amazing! The shawerma had great quality and wasn't over seasoned. The waitress was so sweet and charged my phone because it was dying! The ambience is really cute and quiet!
Grilled Tiger Shrimp was delicious, fresh and full of flavor. Portion was perfect and enjoyed the ratios of salad, hummus, rice and protein. A handful of Mediterranean Restaurants give you too much and not enough protein but Open Seasame was perfect. Experience was overall great and we enjoyed the variety of dishes. Everything we had tasted great and didn't disappoint. Only disappointing experience is we were eating outside in the evening and the restaurant had small lamps that attracted bugs. We appreciated the lights as a way to read the menu but needed an anti bug candle too.
It has been YEARS (15 or so) since I've eaten here. We were seated quickly, though we sat for a bit before being acknowledged by the waitress. What we ordered was good, though I enjoy a few other restaurants on 2nd St. more....
My friend introduced us to this place in 2024. I've been addicted ever since and always stop by when I'm in Long Beach. I always get the same thing: the chicken tawook plate w spicy hummus, no salad, w extra rice and no pickles. The spicy hummus isn't spicy to me. Their yogurt cucumber dip is so good and refreshing. I also highly recommend their spicy potato's. They will be the best potatoes you've ever had. This restaurant is full of art inside and their restrooms are very clean. I recommend parking on Corona street if you don't want to pay for parking.
- Vibes: modern, tight, social space - Crowd: recommend a reservation, crowded on weekends - Menu: lots of selection, good for health conscious - Value for price: 5/5 very well made, great quality food - Service: 5/5 very kind and attentive - Parking: metered street parking nearby. If you walk a bit you can find for free Came to Open Sesame with my Long Beach friend on a Friday night. She's on an elimination diet so this was one of the few places she's able to enjoy. Expect it to be bustling, we made a reservation. Good place for a first date or dinner with friends. I tried the Open Sesame pizza, which was delicious. Our neighbors asked what I ordered so they could copy me. Fresh tomatoes, delicious cheese, and a great option for pickier eaters. My friend had the garlic potatoes, which she loved. I also tried a lentil soup, which was shockingly filling and has a lovely flavor. Definitely recommend this place for slightly pricey but highly delicious difning.
2 months ago
Business owner information
Chris H.
Hi Jake. This made my day. I'm always happy to jump in and get the…
17 days ago
3 months ago
I've been coming to Open Sesame for a few years now and have always spoke highly of this place. They have an online waitlist on their website. Unfortunately when we visited, it was so disappointing and underwhelming especially when I was hyping it up to my boyfriend since it was his first time. I understand that it was busy on a Wednesday night, but the service was lacking. Our appetizer came out pretty quick after we ordered, but after that it took awhile for our main entrees to arrive. We both ordered our steak kabobs to be cooked medium, but it was soooo well done. The servers are helping guests inside and outside, which can make it difficult to grab their attention since they're busy running around. We asked for a box and check, but waited awhile for it not to come out. We ended up having to ask another worker. The servers weren't at all mean, it was just that we were unnoticed for a long time and we weren't asking for crazy accommodations. It was just simple things like getting a water refill, box, and the check. read more
Business owner information
Jacqui S.
Hi Catherine, thank you for your continued support over the years and…
11 days ago
11 months ago
Was my first time trying this restaurant and I heard so many great things about the place. Tbh, it didn't exceed my expectations but the food and service was good. I really enjoyed the design of the restaurant and how nice the servers were. We wanted to change our spots and they were very accommodating. We ordered two different kebob dishes and both tasted yummy and the ingredients tasted fresh. Will be going back read more
Business owner information
Jacqui S.
Thank you for giving us a try and for sharing your experience. We’re…
Great place for Mediterranean food! The party platter was able to feed 11 of us, along with two extra entrees and hummus on the side. The pita could be better and wish it was fluffier. Also I felt that the spicy potato was quite sour, so depends on . Location wise- the place is pretty small so max could sit 8 comfortably. Waitlist is available so would recommend to do that especially over the weekend! read more
2 months ago
1 year ago
The best Mediterranean food in LA! Definitely get the potatoes -- they're THE BEST! All the meat is great, but I'm especially a fan of the lamb. I love the vibes here and have never had an issue with the service. read more
Business owner information
Jacqui S.
Thank you so much for the love! Hearing that we’re your go-to spot…
1 year ago
We sat inside for the first time and the vibes are so much different than the outside patio. You can enjoy the hustle and bustle of the staff and the spectacular interior decors. My friend and I love this place! The food is fresh and tasty. We leave feeling satisfied and not overstuffed. We almost always have leftovers too because the portions are huge! We tried the strawberry golden ale with our meals and discovered that the Belmont shore brewery is down the street from this restaurant. The beer was so light and crisp. Perfect for a warm summer evening. The staff is always so attentive and nice! Love coming here :) read more
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Jacqui S.
Thank you for your wonderful review! We’re delighted that you and…
3 days ago
Business owner information
Chris H.
We’re sorry to hear this, especially since you usually have great…
23 days ago
We love Open Sesame and don't get to these parts too often and it's a shame because the food, service and ambiance are wonderful. My family and I came to OS for lunch last weekend and were seated right away at 12:15 in the best seat in the house, the nice big booth at the back on the left side of the restaurant. My son ordered the Jalab ($6 - rose water drink with a bunch of slivered almonds) and it was amazing. Beers were $8 and chardonnay $13, very reasonable. We ordered the yogurt dip ($10), chicken shawarma with spicy hummus & tabouleh ($23), 1 Rocca Salad with chicken shawarma ($18 + $12) and a Kebab Plate with Chicken Tawook & Lamb ($29). Everything was absolutely delicious and our friendly and attentive server, Julian K., was fantastic. I even had the leftover salad and chicken shawarma a few days later and it all was great, especially that salad. For a lunch, perhaps $29 for 2 kebabs and $30 for the salad is a bit steep but that didn't take away too much from what a great meal it was. read more
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Jacqui S.
David, thank you so much for this thoughtful review. We’re really…
2 months ago
My husband got the steak and shrimp kabob plate, and I got the mlokheye. As someone middle eastern, everything was delicious! The mlokheye tasted authentic but definitely have to add the lemon. Would definitely go again. read more
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Jacqui S.
Hi Lara, thank you so much for your kind words. It means a lot to…
7 months ago
In this case I have to upgrade my review to a solid 5 stars. Excellent service great and fresh food. Tried he habanero dip for the first time ..absolutely excellent. I had the chicken Schwarma with tahini and the open sesame salad. Wow!! Totally delicious. Very fresh and clean and just so good. I will definitely come back more often after this experience. Highly recommend. Now I understand why it is always so crowded. Way to go open sesame!! read more
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Jacqui S.
Thank you for sharing your experience! We’re so glad you enjoyed the…
1 year ago
Quick recap: - Food: Excellent! - Portion size: Average - Service: Good - Environment: Nice outdoor patio - $: Average - Perks: Outdoor patio Overall? Excellent food, good service. Highly recommend. More details: We have been looking for a Lebanese restaurant in Los Angeles. A firend recommended this place. We went for lunch during the week and the patio was full. Good sign. We ordered the labneh ($10), to start, followed by a fattoush ($15) and a shish taouk ($23, +$2 if you add rice). The pita is PROPER lebanese bread - aka very thin. I was delighted. Everything was delicious. The labneh was the right consistency and tasty, the chicken was tender, the fattoush had the right lemony dressing, etc. We will definitely be back read more
1 month ago
8 months ago
The food was delicious good, served hot. The service was fast and our server named Michele was very helful and friendly. The wait is long but worth to wait. The ambiance was average! read more
Business owner information
Jacqui S.
Thank you so much for your kind words. We’re glad you enjoyed the…
Oh man another location that I'm shocked I'm barely doing a review for I started coming here in like 2007 when I uses to work in Long Beach and me and my group would come here many times a month We saw it grow we saw different ownership over the years but let me Just say this place still rocks and is still delicious!!! The garlic sauce the potato's the labne the everything omg sooo yummy and delicious I don't think I've had anything bad here Eating is both inside and not just outside on the patio but also on the curb too The servers and mgmt are friendly and nice I can't wait to go back read more
8 months ago
Coming back to this restaurant again. Parking is hard especially on wknds. It's always packed but service is excellent. Our waiter was wonderful. Ambiance is great just people sitting really close to each other. Food is what keeps me coming back! read more
Business owner information
Jacqui S.
Thank you so much for coming back to see us again. We truly…
1 month ago
6 days ago
Located on second street within the neighborhood of Belmont shore, you will find this Lebanese restaurant that has been opened for a long time- over 25 years. This restaurant offers seating both indoors and outdoors, on a covered patio, as well as the extended patio along the street. During our visit, we had a pleasant lunch due to the great service provided by Dillon and the food offered at this restaurant. For lunch, we had humus, baba Gannouji, Saturday lamb special, falafel and a salad. All of the food items tasted fresh with excellent flavoring. Beyond these dishes you will find other staple dishes like shawarma, tawook, and more. The only challenge about visiting this place- is that the area is very busy, especially during the summertime and weekends. You can get on the online waitlist. Also look for parking off second street, on one of the side streets you will have a better chance to find a spot. Note the restaurant only offers wine and beer for alcoholic drinks. Enjoy your meal! read more
Our server Dilyn was awesome. That set the tone for our meal. We had a bottle of wine, my friend ordered the grilled tiger shrimp with labne and I had the kabsaa special. Everything was delicious, nice sized portions and very tasty. Definitely recommend this spot! read more
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Jacqui S.
Thank you so much for the kind words. We’re so glad Dilyn helped make…
Open Sesame continues to be consistent in their food. I always bring people here that are from out of town when we're looking for a small and cute place with good food. Portions are great. service is good. Had my New Year's lunch there with friends. read more
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Jacqui S.
Thank you for your wonderful review and for making the Open Sesame…
2 months ago
Business owner information
Chris H.
Hello Leslie, I’m sorry you felt unwelcome and rushed, and that you…
7 months ago
This place was honestly so good. I went to Open Sesame in Long Beach and everything I had was amazing. I got beef shawarma with tzatziki, plus hummus and rice, and it all hit. The beef was super tender and flavorful, the tzatziki was fresh and creamy, and the hummus was smooth and really good. Everything tasted fresh and well made, not dry or bland at all. The portions were solid too, so I left full. The vibe of the place was nice and the service was chill and friendly. Definitely coming back, this spot is really worth it. read more
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Jacqui S.
Thank you so much for this awesome review. We’re so glad everything…
5 months ago
Business owner information
Jacqui S.
Thank you so much for the love. We’re honored to hear the Baba…
1 month ago
11 months ago
Long Beach has this authentic Lebanese gem that is a must try. Outdoor and indoor seating available. The gentleman that seated us was extremely nice and got us seated right away. Our waitress was amazing. The ambiance is mixed with traditional and modern. Ok, now to the food.... The flavor, oh those flavors are amazing! Take the time to go eat there. read more
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Jacqui S.
Thank you so much for this lovely review. We’re really glad you…
4 months ago
Had a going away party for a large group this week, split some appetizers, a few bottles of wine, and got a plate for myself as well. Everything we had was delicious! Service was reasonably fast for a large group. Small space overall and no reservations system, so plan accordingly! read more
Business owner information
Jacqui S.
Thank you for celebrating such a special occasion with us. We’re so…
We loved the food so much the first time that we came back a week later and ordered pretty much the same thing--filet mignon kabobs, lamb chops, baba ghannouj, hummus, cucumber dip, Open Sesame salad, fattoush, and basmati rice. Everything was just as amazing as we remembered. This time, though, we got lucky and had Deborah as our server--she's awesome! Super friendly, easy to talk to, and made us feel right at home. Honestly, the food even seemed to taste better with her around. She really made the whole experience even better--definitely a 5-star visit! Also, don't skip the garlic sauce and the habanero sauce--absolute musts! They take everything to the next level!! read more
This place was amazing! Super friendly staff and dog-friendly! The staff all greet d my pup but had the self restraint to touch him as they were on duty. I respect how much love they share to both customer and pet! The hummus with kibbi was delicious! They will give you more pita if you run out. My dog enjoyed the pita as well. I've never had manoushe, a Lebanese style pizza. I had the zaatar and it was amazing. I wish I had more lol The skewers you were allowed to choose different ones so we got chicken and beef Both delicious I am glad I tried this place out! Will definitely visit again read more
2 years ago
Updating my review because I can't believe I've let my rating sit at 4-stars for over a decade. I LOVE LOVE LOVE Open Sesame and have dined here at least a handful of times per year. As one of my favorite spots, I'm giving this 5-stars! My favorites include the Flash Fried Cauliflower, Spicy Garlic Potatoes, and the Vegan Plate. Everything on the Vegan Plate is delicious! It comes with hummus, baba ghannouj, tabouleh, two falafel patties, and dolmas. So good! On my last visit, we ordered the Marinated Olives and even a simple dish like that hits the spot. Open Sesame is a popular spot for good reason. The wait can be long so we always check the wait list on the commute over. If we time it just right, we add ourselves to the waitlist so upon arrival we only have a few minutes to wait. read more
So tasty and affordable! $23 for a full plate of chicken, salad, hummus, and extra pita is a steal in SoCal. The flavors were impeccable - loved the hummus and salad. The interior was decorated beautifully and the whole restaurant felt so cozy. Our waitress was very friendly and helpful, making us feel right at home. I appreciated the rose water rinse at the end of the meal as well. This is the kind of place you can dress up for or be casual, which is so appreciated. The only bummer - if you're sitting at the bar, the cooks really throw the metal skewers around, especially into the discard pile, which can be a bit loud and makes it difficult to talk to your company. Otherwise, all was well - I'll be back! read more
Business owner information
Jacqui S.
Thank you for the kind words. We’re so glad you enjoyed the food, the…
More info about Open Sesame
5215 E 2nd St
Long Beach, CA 90803
Directions
(562) 621-1698
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http://www.opensesamegrill.com
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Ask the Community - Open Sesame
This place is listed today as having outdoor seating. Is it still available? If it is, is it covered or heated? How many people can sit there? / June 8, 2023
Depending on the weather, there is outdoor seating that covered by an awning that has a rollup, clear plastic that can be dropped down, depending on whether or not, it's raining or too cold
Hello, what is the situation for Ramadan is it a buffet or by order?
Always by order
Do they still have half price bottles of wines on Mondays?
Yes! We do have half off select bottles of wine every Monday and Wednesday (excluding holidays)
Do they have a corkage fee? Are signature cocktails served at the Long Beach location as well?
Hi Ana, We only server beer and wine ar our Long Beach location and yes there is a corkage fee of $20. Thanks and hope to see you soon.
Is this hand slaughter zabiha halal or machine cut zabiha halal?
Our meat is Zabiha Halal but it is not hand slaughtered. The machine cut is very precise, and is an approved method by our certifier, many Imams and Islamic organizations as one of the permitted Halal slaughtering methods. Please do note that all…
Will you ever bring back your weekend specials?
We have brought back our Kabssa on Saturdays and Molokhia on Sundays. We’re still working on bringing back a few other items so keep checking our online menu for any updates. Thank you for reaching out!
What is the liquid that you sprinkle on customer's hands after their meal?
That would be rose blossom water. We hope you enjoy!
Do you take reservations for dinner?
Yes reservations would be best as it gets full on certain days and times.
Which delivery service do you use? I can't find the restaurant listed in any of usual Grubhub etx
Hi Rose, if you go through our website opensesamegrill.com and then choose the 'order online' button. This will direct you to either a pickup or delivery option. Thanks and…
Do the falafel have eggs in them or are they vegan?
Our Falafel does not have eggs and are vegan.
They don't allow reservations on Friday nights. Any chance of getting a table around 7?
I hardly have issues getting a table on Friday nights. Also, there are 2 locations in the same street. It's not typical to wait a very long time!
Are there accommodations/reservations for a big party of 20+ people?
Yes online you can reserve it I believe
I'm confused are they Halal says they serve wine..?
They do serve wine for those who don't observe, but meats/food are halal
Is there parking?
There is parking on the street and surrounding streets. There is a parking lot behind Rite Aid across the street if there isn't any on the street in front. There is also the Bank of America parking lot and yes it does cost a few dollars, 2nd Street…
Can i call and order for to go?
Yes You can :) You can also order online & pick it up. Super easy!
Do you have parking?
There's meter parking on the street but it could get busy on the weekends and if you get lucky you can find free parking but not near the restaurant you might have to walk.
What meats are marinated in yogurt? Is the beef kabob or filet mignon kabob dairy free?
The Chicken Tawook and lamb kabobs are marinated in yogurt.
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