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The Highwood, Calgary, AB

The Highwood

4.8
4.8
1748 Reviews
CAN$31 to CAN$50
Global, International
Top Tags:
An award-winning restaurant and live classroom for the next generation of culinary and hospitality leaders — The Highwood Kitchen + Bar will give you a unique and delicious dining experience.

For an exceptional value, our students provide world-class cuisine and service under the expert guidance of renowned chefs and hospitality instructors. Whether you are looking for an outstanding lunch or an elevated dinner prepared to be wowed.

Please be mindful that our operation is a classroom and that hours of operations are based on the academic year.


Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 7 times today

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Cuisines
    Global, International
  • Hours of operation
    Lunch Tue–Fri 11:15 am–12:30 pm Dinner Tue–Fri 4:30 pm–7:15 pm
  • Phone number
    (403) 284-8615 ext. 2
  • Website
    http://www.sait.ca/highwood
  • Payment options
    Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Owned/operated by
    Asian and Pacific Islander, Black/African American, Latinx or Hispanic, LGBTQ+, Middle Eastern, Native/Indigenous, Persons with Disabilities, South Asian/Indian, Women
  • Executive chef
    Jan Hansen & Manuel Panfili
  • Private party facilities
    Our event portfolio has now launched with limited spacing and guidelines - Please contact the restaurant for event inquiries.
  • Private party contact
    Jennifer Nguyen: (403) 774-5186
  • Location
    1301 16th Ave NW, Calgary, AB T2M 0L4
  • Neighborhood
    Calgary
  • Cross street
    Across from the East Hall Residence - Dr. Carpenter Circle NW
  • Parking details
    Please see our website www.sait.ca/highwood for specific maps and Lunch and Dinner parking details.
  • Public transit
    The Sait/Acad/Jubilee C-Train station stops at SAIT. Walk through the Campus center and make your way to the John Ware building. Follow Highwood signs along the way. The Highwood is close to 16th Ave NW and there are several buses that stop at 16th Ave and 10th St. NW.
  • Additional
    Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Offers

  • Highwood Happy Hour

    Multiple dates available
    Join us in our live classroom every Tuesday Friday from 4:30-6:00pm for Happy Hour. Our Happy Hour is walk-in only. Our Happy Hour food menu showcases some light snacks by our award winning instructors and students Specials on wine, beer, and cocktails are available for our Happy Hour! Please note: a reservation is required to join us for dinner at 6:00 PM and is based on availability of our classroom. We look forward to having you dine with us!

    Highwood Happy Hour Photo

What 1,748 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.8
4.8 based on recent ratings
  • 4.7Food
  • 4.5Service
  • 4.5Ambience
  • 4.6Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

  • Calgary / Southern Alberta

    Best Value

  • Calgary

    Best Value

1,748 Reviews

  1. MaryV

    Calgary

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall3food1service3ambience3
    Unfortunately we had a very poor experience with the food on a number of levels - the steak we ordered was so tough that it could hardly be cut with a steak knife (that item was very gracefully removed from our bill which was appreciated) however to be honest not overly impressed with the current menu and also really didn’t appreciate the amount of salt that was on everything even the bread. We will not be coming back until the menu is changed. Having said all of this, the service, ambience etc was very good as always.

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  2. OpenTable Diner

    Calgary

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Fabulous food and service, a great place to dine and enjoy.

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  3. BarbaraB

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent value for fine dining. We had an amazing waiter Carlos. Noise level is low so great dining place for conversations.

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  4. MikeF

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    This is a restaurant for people seeking something out of the ordinary. Prepared and served by young people who are students at the SAIT school of culinary arts, this will be an adventure every visit!

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  5. anniverary25

    Calgary

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 20, 2023

    overall5food4service4ambience5
    Fabulous. The food was innovative, the ambiance inviting to talking and hearing your guests. Overall a great night.

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  6. Virginia

    Calgary

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food was fantastic and the service was amazing. I'd definitely go back again.

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  7. Michelle

    Calgary

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on September 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We always enjoy our Highwood experience. Great value!

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  8. BRMLAM

    Calgary

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We have spent our last 9 anniversaries at The Highwood and enjoy ourselves every time. The students working in the kitchen or in front of house are so proud (and sometimes nervous) of the work they do and always try their hardest to do a great job. Plus, the food is always top notch and on par with any fine dining establishment in Calgary. We highly recommend this place to everyone we speak with. You will not be disappointed.

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  9. JWilson

    Calgary

    14 reviews

    4.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on September 15, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    My boyfriend and I had dinner at The Highwood last evening. It was in celebration of my birthday. Parking: Easy to find, convenient, and free if you give them your license plate number 10/10 Atmosphere: The place is small, which makes it feel more intimate, it was quiet and nice to be able to talk and hear the person you are with. The design and décor are a little outdated but again being a teaching facility this is understandable. 9/10 Service: The front staff were very welcoming. Our server was excellent (Winnie), she was a little nervous, which is to be expected at a learning facility, but she made sure we were always taken care of and was so kind. She also brought me a dessert as it was my birthday and a card signed by the front staff. Amazing 10/10 Food/Value: The food was good. 8/10 The value for what you pay 7/10. (details below) The whipped Feta was delicious. 10/10 Steak and Fries: The steak was cooked perfectly (Medium) and the parmesan truffle fries were very good. The steak in the picture looks very dry, but once I added the butter it looked much better. The price however is a little high for what I would expect to pay for steak and fries, it was $32. 7/10 Chefs Special: Surf and Turf. The steak was overcooked, it should have been medium and instead, it was well done. The shrimp were cooked well. The sides also cooked well. However, the quantity was a little disappointing. There were three shrimp and for the sides, it was 4 half mini potatoes, broccoli, and two carrots. This was my boyfriend's meal and he was finished in no time. 7/10 Overall it was a positive experience, I would go back- maybe just for appetizers and drinks next time! All areas where the students were involved, service and food prep, were amazing! The only thing I would say is they re-evaluate the prices to more align with other restaurants of the same quality. Wish all the students in the program the best of luck!

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  10. KiraS

    Calgary

    11 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on September 13, 2023

    overall3food4service1ambience2
    I wish I could write a better review as my friends and I were looking forward to trying this place out. I know it’s a teaching kitchen and other students are learning hospitality, but the service was so poor that I feel compelled to give constructive criticism. The food was good. The odd thing was I ordered a Waldorf salad and was told the chef had left so I couldn’t order it. It was 7:30 pm and there was no one who could make a salad? That’s weird. The charcuterie board was nice as well as the whipped feta appetizer - both were delicious and well priced. The mains, however, were quite expensive ($30 for salmon) and mine was overcooked, dry, and quite salty. I would totally overlook that as it’s students, but $30 is a fine dining price, not a learning price. Food aside, the poor guy who served us was so inexperienced that it was painful, and it didn’t seem like he had any supervision or guidance. It was as though he’d never eaten at a restaurant before and had no idea what to do. He took our drink orders, gave them to the bar, then immediately returned to take our food order. We hadn’t even glanced at the food as we barely had time to look at the drinks. He seemed confused that this was unusual and that we’d first like to receive our drinks and take a few minutes to look at the menu. There were too many odd things to list and I don’t want to nitpick, but even if students are learning and nervous, they should still know the basics of when and how to approach a table. I don’t want to fault him personally as it felt like he had no instruction or guidance and was a fish out of water. It became almost comical, and our group had a great evening regardless as we enjoy each others company aren’t too picky. Some people could get quite bothered though. I only write this because if you think you’ll get a fancy meal for a lower, student-learning price, you won’t. However the wine and cocktail selection was nice and reasonably priced. Go for drinks and appies.

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  11. Travelmama

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 12, 2023

    overall4food5service4ambience5
    The Highwood excels in dishes with unique and tasty flavour combinations and perfectly cooked food. Never a disappointment!

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  12. Jodie

    Calgary

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Really enjoyed the food and atmosphere. Very relaxing and never felt rushed. The server was very attentive to our needs. Will definitely recommend it to others and look forward to returning. Thanks

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  13. ElleP

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Fantastic food and service, they went the extra mile for my mom's birthday. Such a great way to support student learning. Highly recommend!

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  14. OpenTable Diner

    Calgary

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 30, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    We celebrated our 30th Anniversary at the Highwood and they didn’t disappoint. The food and service was outstanding and we will return again. They even made us a complementary small platter of delicious bit size desserts for us to sample and gave us a “Happy Anniversary card” signed by the students. What a perfect way to end our special dinner.

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  15. Danielle

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 26, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing food and good service. Planning to dine again 💯

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  16. JeffS

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food was excellent. The server was very friendly but seemed a bit shy. I am sure the confidence will come with experience. Thank you!

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  17. Stace

    Calgary

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Can’t beat it! Loved the trout and creative cocktails

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  18. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 2, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent service, wonderful meal, cooked to perfection and attractively presented. Congratulations to the friendly staff and professional chefs.

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  19. BevB

    San Francisco

    32 reviews

    5.0

    32 reviews

    Dined on July 29, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This was our first time at The Highwood and we will definitely be returning. The service was excellent as was the food. A very enjoyable experience all round.

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  20. OpenTable Diner

    Calgary

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on July 29, 2023

    overall5food4service4ambience4
    We brought out of town guests and we were very happy with the food, and overall experience

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  21. Carolyn

    Calgary

    11 reviews

    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on July 27, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Omg the service was incredible. The presentation of the food was breathe taking and tasted amazing. Everyone at our table could not get over the food and all said 100% we are going back again. And it's run by students so how could that be anymore perfect helping young people get a start in life. The service was impeccable. Attentive friendly and responsive. We were celebrating a birthday and the addition touch of a birthday card and dessert plate with happy birthday was the incredible personal touch that made the evening perfect...thank you.

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  22. WolfgangS

    Calgary

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on July 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent as usual. Great server and wonderful food. Love the desserts. And-- the coffee was hot!

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  23. Unhappy

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 20, 2023

    overall3food3service2ambience4
    We went there for lunch. My Korean forno oven pizza was disappointing, miserly toppings, counted five small slices of chicken and equal number of onions, but liberal sprinkling of yellow corn on top of the cheese, whoever had loose corn on top of pizza, an ingredient which I can’t eat, so ahead to scrape it all off, which left me with just crust, Gochujiang sauce and cheese. Left hungry. Won’t be back. Canceling the booking in August for our anniversary. The other dish was a burger, so high it was hard to bite into (don’t chefs realize the diners can’t stretch their mouths that wide, even though it looks good on the plate.) I ended up just having my truffle fries for lunch, not what I call a balanced diet. The endive salad was boring with just only endive, pears, and yellow raisins and cheese. We waited a long time for our food, considering there were only five tables occupied including us. The best part was the Opera Cake. We enjoyed that very much. The crème brûlée was shockingly sweet, too sweet. The service was so-so. Was interrupted mid-sentence several times. She took the plates away and left the salad, so we had to eat the rest of the salad without a plate. She disappeared into the back, so when we needed something, there was no one to ask. When I ordered my dessert (why is the dessert menu held back until the end, when there is no service available, our parking was expiring, and we couldn’t find anyone to order the dessert. Finally a guy came over, and he insisted the creme brûlée was out, then came back to say it was available, such confusion. I see staff staring at the diners from the oven counter, I see them huddled by the cash register, but the service was dismal. Won’t be coming back. Our friends told us how good this place was, but I’m not impressed.

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  24. Rozz

    Calgary

    10 reviews

    4.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on July 19, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience5
    1st time @The Highwood. Would definitely recommend it. The welcome & service was excellent. The food truly delicious. I had the chicken ballantine which melted in the mouth. I asked the server if I needed to order any side dishes or vegetables, she advised me it was a full meal on the plate. It was very light and a side dish would've been a good idea. I have a small appetite so it definitely wouldn't have been sufficient for males or bigger appetites.

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  25. AidanW

    Calgary

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on July 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Excellent service received from the SAIT Hospitality students, and delicious food! Excellent value.

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  26. BaxterL

    Hawaii

    20 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    20 reviews

    Dined on July 15, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    Had the steak frite and the surf and turf. Steak was kind of tough and needed a steak knife. The Lobster was way over done. Dessert was however sublime. The Sunday Brunch was really good but the Dark Matter was one of the best desserts we had ever tasted, also an amazing deal at $8.00. The Grilled Sourdough Bread was also something special. The service was very polite and good.

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  27. CarterK

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    the Highwood is always a treat, we have been regulars for 25 years and always look forward to the adventure, and if feels nice to be part of the learning process, thanks for being there

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  28. manonh

    Calgary

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on July 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We were a group of 4 and we were all really please with the food, the service and ambiance. I would definitely return. We had a cocktail which was excellent and I could taste the alcohol in it. We took the lobster bisque and some of us the halibut with ratatouille. It was very excellent! The desert were also very good and the presentation of the food was excellent.

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  29. KarenL

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 1, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience5
    Great meal and excellent food at a wonderful price!

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  30. KendallT

    Calgary

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on June 30, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    It was wonderful visiting your classroom, will be vdck again!

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  31. AliM

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 27, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food! Lovely service! Delightful! 💖 A card signed by the staff for my birthday was especially sweet.

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  32. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 24, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience3
    This is a great restaurant to go to. It is important to remember that it is a teaching restaurant. The food and service were great. I wasn’t rushed which I really enjoyed. We also got and anniversary card signed by all the staff and a free dessert. Such a nice touch.

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  33. DavidR

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food was excellent…the desserts creative. Had a good selection of wine and the students added enery to the atmosphere.

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  34. PatriciaS

    Calgary

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on June 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This is an incredibly amazing opportunity to see students serving, chef/students creating masterpieces. It was a 5 star success. A personal favourite of mine. The food is absolutely amazing

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  35. BasilV

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 31, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had such an amazing family meal! We literally loved everything we ordered. You would never know this was a teaching/training facility! We had such a good time. We will definitely be back! Thank you!

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  36. Valana

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food was some of the best food I've eaten in Calgary! I had the fish entree which was a combination of halibut, scallops and shrimp done in a very light sauce on top of a pastry which was also toasted! The dessert was beyond great! The best service in the care that was taken by the entire staff was second to none. The atmosphere was calm without loud music playing which was such a relief to me. We can't wait to return!

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  37. OpenTable Diner

    Calgary

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing as always, food is awesome, service was great and everyone was very appreciative of your coming in.

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  38. DenisG

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The staff were excellent. The food was delicious. Very proud to have an excellent culinary school in Calgary. Congrats to Chef Manuel Panfili who inspires the students and encourages them to strive for excellence. We will definitely be back for the great experience.

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  39. OpenTable Diner

    Calgary

    21 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    21 reviews

    Dined on May 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    The service was lovely with everyone trying their very best. As students they were keen to get everything just right . The meal came out fast as requested and was hot and tasty. Dessert get a plus plus so delicious.

    1 person found this helpful

  40. MichaelV

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 13, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Waiter Henrick was very helpful. Overall a very good experience. Will go back again. Thank you.

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Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Surfaces sanitized between seatings
    • Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily
    • Contactless payment available

  • Physical distancing

    • Limited number of seated diners
    • Distancing maintained in common areas
    • Extra space between tables

  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace
    • Staff is vaccinated

FAQs

The Highwood is rated 4.8 stars by 1748 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 7 times today
Google Map for The Highwood

1301 16th Ave NW, Calgary, AB T2M 0L4

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Cross street
    Across from the East Hall Residence - Dr. Carpenter Circle NW
  • Neighborhood
    Calgary
  • Hours of operation
    Lunch Tue–Fri 11:15 am–12:30 pm Dinner Tue–Fri 4:30 pm–7:15 pm
  • Cuisines
    Global, International
  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Parking details
    Please see our website www.sait.ca/highwood for specific maps and Lunch and Dinner parking details.
  • Public transit
    The Sait/Acad/Jubilee C-Train station stops at SAIT. Walk through the Campus center and make your way to the John Ware building. Follow Highwood signs along the way. The Highwood is close to 16th Ave NW and there are several buses that stop at 16th Ave and 10th St. NW.
  • Payment options
    Mastercard, Visa
  • Owned/operated by
    Asian and Pacific Islander, Black/African American, Latinx or Hispanic, LGBTQ+, Middle Eastern, Native/Indigenous, Persons with Disabilities, South Asian/Indian, Women
  • Executive chef
    Jan Hansen & Manuel Panfili
  • Additional
    Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Website
    http://www.sait.ca/highwood
  • Phone number
    (403) 284-8615 ext. 2
  • Private party facilities
    Our event portfolio has now launched with limited spacing and guidelines - Please contact the restaurant for event inquiries.
  • Private party contact
    Jennifer Nguyen: (403) 774-5186
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