The Optimist

Decided to get some breakfast at Flying Biscuit…read more I ended up getting the Flying Biscuit Breakfast which came with 2 eggs, grits, and chicken sage sausage with their $5 mimosa! They also give me a complimentary flying biscuit with some JAM and that biscuit & JAM was AWESOME! It's not that far from my job, I will definitely be back!

The service was nice and the food was good at The Flying Biscuit Cafe in Village District! I met a…read morefriend here on a Saturday at 10am for breakfast and we were sat right away. Freebird Benedict with Moon Dusted Potatoes: A twist on a Benedict - Chicken tenders, chicken sausage gravy, and a poached egg on top of a split biscuit. Yum! I loved the potatoes, the seasoning was on point! Fluffy Flying Biscuit with Cranberry Apple Butter: Great biscuit. The cranberry apple butter was nice, but I think I would prefer plain butter. Firecracker Shrimp Wrap with Truffle-Parmesan Fries: My friend had this and she let me try a shrimp and some fries. The shrimp was cooked well and I enjoyed the spice of the sauce. I enjoyed the fries too (really well seasoned), but I liked the Moon Dusted Potatoes that came with my dish more. There is a Flying Biscuit closer to my house, so I can't wait to check out that location next!

1.5 mi•Warehouse District

Dining room

Outdoor dining area

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Dining room

A Place At The Table

4.8(261 reviews)

Why is this model not in my city of Greensboro, NC? In Greensboro, the city council makes homeless…read morehostel architecture so the homeless can not lay down, etc. A place at the Table is doing God's work. I've never seen anything like this and feel like this model needs to spread everywhere. Breakfast was GREAT: eggs, bacon, toast and coffee. Great volunteers and a wonderful idea to boost humanity among us all. Had no idea it was a mission based restaurant until I arrived and put 2 and 2 together. Just a beautiful thing they are doing there in DT Raleigh.

I tell you the truth whenever I give a five star is because they're deserving meeting all top tiers…read moreand critters in my restaurant journey; the food the service and always go check out the ambiance please :D. A Place at the Table is Raleigh first pay as you go kitchen, there's no limit on the quality of the team, volunteers and atmosphere. With eatery space outdoors, indoor and upstairs a fast kitchen with flavorful healthy options stop in and volunteer for a hour for a meal or pay the suggested option prices given. Flavorful rich creamy soup with fresh crisp ingredients!!! The staff is welcoming always greeting with a smile and cheerful loving family feel this kitchen is the way foundation of service should be. Thank you for always pursuing I have a great experience. .

Inside

The huevos rancheros!

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Tupelo Honey

seated very quickly, a cute rustic interior. my table enjoyed their food. we had multiple drinks…read more($3-$11.50) and they were all good. our waitress Aurora was great! would most definitely come back again!

Tupelo Honey -- A Different Experience This Time…read more We decided to revisit Tupelo Honey during our trip through North Carolina because we had such a great experience the first time we visited. Our first visit was for breakfast/brunch, and we really enjoyed it, so this time we decided to stop in for a late lunch. We originally came looking for chicken wings, but we were told they had recently changed the menu and no longer offered them. So, we decided to try some other things. We started with the fried green tomatoes, which were served over polenta with a reddish sauce drizzled around them. The tomatoes were fried nice and firm--they didn't fall apart and held their texture well. I enjoyed the appetizer. For our entrees, we tried several things: bourbon meatloaf, breakfast potatoes, fried chicken, fried okra, roasted Brussels sprouts, and grilled harvest chicken. The food portions were generous, and everything was well seasoned. However, this meal was more of a "just okay" experience for us. The bourbon meatloaf was okay, although you definitely have to be in the mood for meatloaf. The breakfast potatoes, fried okra, Brussels sprouts, mac and cheese, green beans, and grilled harvest chicken were all decent but didn't really stand out. The fried chicken was very well seasoned--perhaps a little too well seasoned for my taste, as it leaned toward salty. Our drinks were good, and I still enjoyed the atmosphere. Our waitress was also friendly and attentive, which helped make the experience pleasant. Overall, this visit didn't quite live up to our first experience. My husband was especially disappointed. That said, I wouldn't completely rule Tupelo Honey out. Sometimes a restaurant has an off day, and I'd be willing to give it another try--especially since we enjoyed our first visit so much.

Summerberry Salad

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PRESS Coffee Crêpes Cocktails

4.6(134 reviews)

1.4 mi•Glenwood South

Press has a vibrant feel to it. It has a specific coffee bar with all types of various coffees…read more You coffee lovers will not be disappointed In addition, it has a full bar with all types of elixirs. The food is absolutely amazing with crêpes ranging from sweet to breakfast to savory and of course moore hardy varieties. Avocado toast is fantastic by itself. It's a full meal all by itself and I could barely finish it all. Needless to say, the portions are hardy, and are big enough to share. Their service is fantastic very attentive without being invasive and they let you hang out for as long as you want. Located in the hart of downtown Raleigh parking is not difficult, but you may have to walk a few blocks to get here.

Food was good I got shakshouka crepe and a espresso martini. I thought the espresso was well…read morebalanced and flavorful rich with nice balance. The shakshouka crepe was disappointing because while it had good flavor did not have the taste of shakshouka. No rich tomato flavors, cumin, or paprika. It was overwhelmed by the veggies places in it. The sauce was too little to balance out. Unfortunately because of those reasons it tasted pretty bland. Honestly, I would have gotten something different if I knew it was not really shakshouka. Service was good and they checked on us a few times to make sure everything was good. It has a nice interior and patio.

Press interior

Coconut curry chicken over arugula

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Outdoor seating

Benelux Café

3.9(220 reviews)

2.1 mi

I try a new coffee shop every Saturday and today it was Benelux…read more There isn't a lot of street parking, but there is an underground garage behind it, which is so convenient. It's located next to Village District. I was greeted immediately by a nice young man. I asked for his hot food suggestion, and of course he suggested the waffles! I ordered a waffle with fresh bananas and Nutella...every bite was absolutely delicious. I also ordered a lavender latte and loved it. They sell scones from a local vendor and I had a gluten free orange cranberry scone which was also delicious. Benelux is spacious and has plenty of seating. Tables, high tops and even a couple of comfortable love seats.

This is great coffee shop with a good, family friendly a diverse vibe…read more Benelux offers a good variety of coffee drinks and delicious pastries. We ordered lattes and other pastries, and they were all delicious. I met the new owners when I stopped by, and they shared their new plans for upgrades and improvements. They own other coffee shops in Colombia, so I'm guessing those improvements will be good. It is located in a shopping plaza centrally located. If you are not from the area, the GPS will take you straight to it. There is a parking lot for the entire shopping plaza with free parking. If you like to work in coffee shops, this one gets a bit busy and noisy at times. Keep that in mind. The staff was friendly and helpful. The space is comfortable and common areas are clean. Overall, 100% recommended.

Menu.

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Rise Southern Biscuits & Righteous Chicken

4.2(276 reviews)

2.0 mi

The amount of cardio needed after our order at Rise.... Honey !!!! lol…read more This went straight to the thighs lol it was so so good. The maple bacon donut was my favorite but the glazed blueberry biscuits were next in line for sure. This bakery is 10/10 all around

I had been looking forward to trying Rise, but I was disappointed to discover that there was no…read moreindoor seating. You order at a kiosk, although a staff member was nearby and available to assist. I ordered the "Which Came First" box, which included two Righteous Chicken tenders and a fried egg over a very large biscuit butterflied and white gravy. It was incredibly delicious, and the sweet tea was excellent as well. The restaurant was modern and very clean, and the service was friendly. Since there was no dining area, I ate outside on a bench. Although I really enjoyed the food, I'm not sure I would return unless indoor seating is added.

Hallway to drinks and bathroom

Rise Southern Biscuits & Righteous Chicken - Counter area. Even though there are pictures of inside seating, that is not the case. Outdoor seating only.

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Counter area. Even though there are pictures of inside seating, that is not the case. Outdoor seating only.

Biscuit Belly - Seaboard Station

I ordered the bacon chicken wrap with grits and a jumbo strawberry mimosa. My friend went with the…read morebasic biscuit - pork sausage and a yogurt & berries bowl. The grits were cooked perfectly with a nice thick texture and nicely salted. I was amazed at the portion of bacon that came in the wrap and the chicken was seasoned well. Big portion and worth the money. I appreciate the fact that it's open seating without a traditional host stand. The dining room is causal, colorful, cozy, and well lit. One of my new breakfast favorites in Raleigh. The location is convenient to hotels downtown for business or leisure travelers looking for a quality bite to eat to start their day. Overall 9/10.

This has to be my favorite biscuit place ever!!…read more Though the format is not like a regular restaurant and here you order and pay first before you sit, I appreciate that they do come around frequently enough and even ask if you want to order something else or more! The bonuts had to be my most favorite item on the menu! Almost ordered a second batch but I just couldn't fit anything else after the biscuit. Which, the biscuit was amazing within itself as well! Definitely recommend

1.3 mi•Fayetteville Street

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Morning Times

4.2(695 reviews)

First time in Raleigh, first breakfast, and we were nicely surprised and impressed. Unassuming…read morefront on street. Inside--friendly staff, great service, nice, great food. Went to counter to order and pay, took table number upstairs to second floor eat-in rooom, they brought food up to us. Very pleasant , great soothing background music, clean and all around nice experience. Go!

The morning times was a weekly if not daily staple in my life for 10+ years, after moving away from…read morethe city 3 years ago, every time I would come into Raleigh it would be my first stop and it would always feel like home seeing the same familiar faces every time. This morning, I walked in and saw not one familiar face there, and I've come to learn all the staff walked out simultaneously weeks ago. After getting to know many of the staff over the years of frequenting there, anything to make every staff member walk out at the same time has to be big enough to leave a sour taste in your mouth. Am truly sad to see such a Raleigh staple not see the value in the community their staff created. Cheers to Joe, Brennan, Brett, amber, and all of the others past a present (shout out Tim and Casey and Jackie!) for their place in our lives over all of these years! If you are looking for a coffee nearby, jubala (pendo), black & white (videri), heirloom are all great options (and sir Walter coffee and 42 & Lawrence are decent and close)

1.3 mi•Fayetteville Street

Front counter

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Upstairs seating

Big Ed’s City Market Restaurant

4.3(731 reviews)

Service is superb! So warm and welcoming. Food is reasonably…read morepriced. Generous portions. Twice brewed tea is a delight. Highly recommend!

What a place - full of character, friendly service and tasty breakfasts…read more There are historic objects up the tall walls and across the high ceiling. I saw a bicycle and lots of sports-related items I ate the Farmer Joes' Breakfast Bowl. This is a dish full of hearty flavor and included a homemade biscuit at the bottom. Then topped with well-fried home fries, a rich sausage gravy, cheese (cheddar) my two scrambled eggs and green onions. I added bacon to build the tasty dish. This was a fun place to visit.

Dining area

Big Ed's breakfast bowl

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Outside

Layered Croissanterie

4.5(240 reviews)

1.1 mi

Two days in a row I've gone to layered croissant. The layers are on point and it was fascinating to…read morewatch the bakers use a machine to roll out the layers. I tried the passionfruit mango cruffin and the brown butter crookie. Both were spot on with their flavors. The passionfruit cream was especially noteworthy for being packed with flavor and yet not too sweet. The layers of pasty were perfection. There's one spot to order, though they do a brisk takeout business. Once ordered, items come out quickly. There is some seating, and if you order to stay, then they'll bring your items to the table. The vibe is bright and semi industrial with some pastel colors to soften it up. I love the bright windows, even if you're just looking out on the car's parked right outside!

Ohhh, I have been sleeping on this place. No longer. Visited in September 2024 and tried pretty…read moremuch the whole menu of pastries: + LKA + raspberry pistachio + butterscotch Cruffin + Plum financier + Ham & cheese + Boston cream donut + Brown butter crookie + Classic croissant + Pain au chocolat Standouts were the raspberry pistachio and ham & cheese. Also loved the filling in the financier, and the brown butter cookie was top notch. Cruffin was another highlight. Iced coffee was alright. Will get the iced purple matcha next time. This bakery is definitely born from the Dominique Ansel/Supermoon Bakehouse era, and they are executing very well. (I've had some baaaad knockoff cruffins/cronuts/croissant hybrids, but this place is killing it.)

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7 reviews that are not currently recommended

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Emily M.

Elite 24

3 years ago

Nestled in the vibrant neighborhood of Raleigh, The Optimist invites you into a green haven filled with lush plants that breathe life into the space. The moment you step inside, you're wrapped in a warm embrace of nature, with the plant-filled decor creating a serene backdrop that whispers a calm tune amidst the city's hustle. It's more than just a coffee shop; it's a retreat where each corner has been tenderly curated to offer a soothing ambiance. The menu at The Optimist is a tribute to wholesome eating. They offer a tantalizing array of healthy food options that not only please the palate but also promise a nourishing experience. Their breakfast offerings, particularly the Goat Meal, won my heart, while the rotating seasonal menu keeps the food journey interesting and fresh. The Optimist is not just a name, but an experience that resonates through the cheerful staff, the cozy ambiance, and the delicious, healthy food options. It's a place where the community gathers to share smiles, stories, and a love for good food and coffee. While the pricing is reasonable and won't break the bank, the wealth of flavors and the inviting atmosphere make every dime spent well worth it. read more

Josie S.

Elite 23

220

3 years ago

The Optimist" is a delightful and charming cafe that truly lives up to its name. Stepping inside feels like entering a whimsical world of cuteness and aesthetics. What sets this cafe apart are their unique drink options, and the pink matcha I tried was an absolute standout. The combination of the vibrant color and the delicate flavor of matcha made for a refreshing and Instagram-worthy experience. Additionally, their menu boasts delicious fresh sandwiches that are a perfect complement to their beverages. The ingredients were undoubtedly high-quality, and the taste left me craving for more. The ambiance, coupled with their creative offerings, makes "The Optimist" a must-visit spot for anyone seeking a delightful and memorable cafe experience. read more

Yama A.

6 years ago

My regular coffee shop. Go to the back and there is a really cozy patio, can get a lot of work done and really enjoy my time there.

S H.

1 year ago

Just came from there. Perfect place to read, meet friends and service awesome. Price point just right.

Troy N.

5 months ago

Great vibe, if you know, you know, this place really sucks, but that's what gives it, it's great vibe!

T W.

5 years ago

Mediocre menu items. Not impressed. Nothing stands out, would not come out of my way to come here

Helen T.

4 years ago

Great addition to the neighborhood.

The Optimist - coffee - Updated October 2026

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Jubala Coffee

4.3

(621 reviews)

Came here with my daughter on a Saturday morning. We got there around 9ish and it was packed. There…read morewere barely any seats inside, and because it was a chilly morning and the patio was still a little wet, not many people were sitting outside. On a nicer day you can sit outside if you prefer. My daughter ordered the waffle with Nutella, and since she wanted syrup, we added the cinnamon glaze. She really enjoyed it. I do wish they had whipped cream as an option because I feel like waffles and whipped cream just go together, but that's honestly a small thing. I ordered the avocado toast with the fried egg on top and also the house-made granola. I did not realize the granola serving was going to be so big, so I definitely over-ordered, but no regrets because everything was so good. The avocado toast was delicious. The bread was soft, fresh, and filling, and the whole thing was just really satisfying. I ended up taking the granola to go, and later that day when I ate it, I was like wow... it was still amazing. Honestly one of the best granola and yogurt bowls I've had. So good. I also got an almond latte. Nothing overly fancy, just a solid latte done well. Staff were friendly and patient, especially with my daughter wanting to order. That always means a lot. Another plus: plenty of parking, and they have two single-stall bathrooms, which is helpful. I also really like the Lafayette Village area in general. After you eat, you can walk around, hang out, and enjoy the area a bit. So it can be a quick coffee stop, or you can make a little outing out of it. Definitely worth checking out.

Came here on a Saturday around 1 pm. Wanted breakfast food later in the day than most places offer…read more They were highly rated online so I decided to give me a shot. They are located in a VERY BUSY shopping center. Lots of folks sticking around to hang outdoors in the area. Thankfully I found parking in the lot downstairs in a parking garage with a short walk over. The line was long but moved fast. It was cold and sorta dark inside and crowded compared to it being nice outside, so I chose to sit outside. The courtyard side was packed, so I sat on the parking lot side. Not the best view, but got the job done. They were still serving biscuits, but were no longer serving the oatmeal which was a disappointment. I got the yogurt instead and didn't care for the toppings. My coffee and food came out fast and the biscuit tasted amazing. The biscuit was large, the egg and bacon were perfectly cooked and the iced coffee was delicious. The food is the shining star here. I just wish the ambiance was better. I will be back on a weekday when it's less people to contend with.

The Optimist

4.3

(28 reviews)

We just left this coffee shop, maybe 10 minutes ago and I had to leave a review ASAP…read more First, the aesthetic is so calming. Music not too loud, vibes were so chill. The barista was a vibe because we love a casual chat. Mind you, this is our first time coming here. I ordered the Stacy and he ordered Life's A Peach. We also ordered food, 2 different breakfast sandwiches and from the first bite, you know what I immediately tasted? SEASONING. Let me preface this by we bop around to so many different shops to try food and coffee and this exceeded our expectations. Whoever made the sandwiches seasoned these eggs to perfection and please know that we appreciate it so much. Like foreal. 5 stars. Vibes. Food. Delicious. Seasoned. Round of applause! We will be back!

Cute coffee shop near Crabtree Mall. The location is unassuming in a office complex, however I was…read morepleasantly surprised walking in to see how nicely it was decorated with a large outdoor patio. I got an iced oat milk latte with housemade almond syrup. The quality of the coffee was great with just a slight hint of almond. Some of their syrups are made in house and others are not, so be sure the look at the menu. The Raleigh Coffee Passport brought me here, so I was able to use the discount. However the latte was over $7 full price which was a little steep for the size - but again the quality and taste were great

Jubala Coffee

4.4

(21 reviews)

I usually skip breakfast, but I woke up slightly hangover and in need of substance. Jubala did me…read moreright, their bacon egg biscuit was the perfect size to fill me up without feeling stuffed, the biscuit was flavorful an texture was wonderful. I also had the iced sea salt caramel latte with the balanced amount of bitterness and sweetness. Fast and friendly service, sat outside to enjoy the warm weather, great little coffee shop serving up delicious flavors.

Good spot in downtown. The food looked great but I stuck with a flash coffee that was pretty good…read more My only knock is I didn't see a regular cold brew on the menu, only nitro, but I could have missed it. There's plenty of seating inside and out, too. The baristas were great.

Smooth Joe Coffee

4.5

(35 reviews)

Needed a pick me up after riding my bike in the early morning on the Neuse River Trail. I stopped…read morein and grabbed one of their seasonal iced coffees as well as a cinnamon roll. The staff member offered to warm the roll for me but I said no as I foolishly thought I was going to make it all the way home before devouring this fresh baked good. Don't be as foolish as me - if they offer, get it warmed up. (It was still amazing at room temp but I bet it would have been even better warm.) Anyway, I did not make it far before I cracked open the cinnamon roll and ate it while sitting at a stoplight in my car. Truly, such a good sugary baked good. Just wow. I feel like this spot is considered a hidden gem, so I hope you will see this and give them a try!

we stopped by for an iced coffee, an iced latte, and a ham and cheese croissant. the croissant…read moredidn't make it into my photo, but my boyfriend really enjoyed it and said it was delicious. the drinks, on the other hand, were just okay. nothing was necessarily wrong with them, but they didn't stand out enough to make me want to come back specifically for the coffee. what i did love was the atmosphere. despite having a steady stream of customers, the cafe stayed calm and relaxed. it's located in a quiet neighborhood, has outdoor seating, and just has an overall pleasant vibe. the woman who took our order was also genuinely friendly, which made the visit even nicer. i really liked the area and the feel of the cafe. i just don't think i'd return for the drinks alone.

Morning Times

4.2

(695 reviews)

Sir Walter Coffee

4.2

(15 reviews)

Yummy food and homemade bagels! Cute little dining room upstairs to relax. Outdoor seating too on a…read morenice day.

Wtf? Last time I was here the coffee was great. This time it was horrible. Thought it was a mixup…read moreso asked for a replacement after taking a sip, but they just watered down the same mud water. Mistaking dark coffee for light is ok, it happens. But to lie to me and water down the same dark coffee and try to pass it off? I don't think they brew coffee on the weekends, they must've just had some leftover dark coffee and only asked if I wanted light or dark out of habit or confusion because they did not have what they pretended to give me. Or the people the people working don't drink coffee themselves and had no idea what they were saying and just read the question on the machine. Whatever the case may be, there's a cheaper cafe closer to me but I remembered the coffee being better last time. So learn from my mistake and don't expect any quality coffee on the weekends.

321 Coffee - Downtown Raleigh

4.5

(28 reviews)

Stopped by 321 coffee during an event and I'm so glad we finally tried it. When you arrive there is…read moreparking available on the street or a nearby garage. Walking up you'll find the entrance to the coffee shop off of Hillsborough street in between the office plaza. Walking in there isn't any seating outside as this location seems to be primarily for the office buildings around it. If you are looking for a table there is seating available outside. Walking in the coffee shop feels bright, open, and welcoming. To order you'll proceed to the counter and place your order. When it's ready the barista will call your name. I ordered the Lenovo Special Latte (Iced latte with our signature dark roast espresso, whole milk, and cookie butter flavor) since they were hosting the event. The coffee was well balanced and the cookie butter flavor was a nice touch. I definitely recommend checking out 321 coffee if you are in the Downtown Raleigh area.

This place knows how to do coffee! My friend ordered me a hot cinnamon roll latte and my little one…read morean iced one as she loves her coffee like mommy ! Coffee flavor is bold and was definitely the star of both drinks - not too sweet! And the service was friendly and welcoming! Will be coming back and highly recommend as we will be visiting NC a lot more this fall !

The Muse Coffee Company & Roastery

4.4

(58 reviews)

Stopped in for coffee with a few friends on a Saturday morning. I had a seasonal iced spicy pumpkin…read morechai latte, and it was so good. If you're in Garner, I'd definitely recommend stopping by!

This is one of the nicest surprises that I found in Garner! You might think that a coffee shop…read moreright by a food Lion in a shopping center might not be that good, but if you went to this location you would be completely wrong. The staff was so nice! The area to sit and eat your breakfast was the most comfy and relaxing at home feeling I have ever had in a coffee shop. The sandwich was made to order with fresh ingredients. The coffee beans were amazing and I don't even like coffee. 10 out of 10. Highly recommend!

Sola Coffee Cafe

4.4

(668 reviews)

Wow this is the cutest little coffee. I would be a regular here if I lived in Raleigh! My husband…read moreand I dropped in for breakfast on a Tuesday morning (they're closed Sunday and Monday). The line was long, but it moved quickly! There's plenty of seating inside and outside, and they'll bring your order right to you. I ordered the Jeanne Capp (delicious!) and it had a great ratio of espresso to milk with subtle sweetness. To eat, I had the Avo + Heirloom toast, which was the perfect savory bite for breakfast! My husband ordered the Blueberry Compote + Goat toast, which is a tasty mix of sweet and salty. We also ordered a few of their hot mini donuts to-go, and these are a must-order!

Came with a friend on a Tuesday morning to enjoy breakfast together. The perfect spot to do so…read more Since they've built their outdoor space, it is my favorite spot to sit during the spring and summer. This time I got their seasonal coconut latte - delightful, as always. Fod food I grabbed their Staff Eggwhich (truly, one of my favorite breakfast foods) and topped it off with an order of the espresso donuts to share. I would recommend this spot to both those visiting as well as my fellow locals. You just can't go wrong here. Plus, the staff is always nice. You can tell they love what they do!

Pine State Coffee

4.6

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