wedding services & supplies.

Agua Verde Cafe and Paddle Club

Expert Reviews of Agua Verde Cafe and Paddle Club

Citysearch | Ten varieties of tacos, inventive side dishes and Portage Bay views compensate for the frenzied atmosphere of this wildly popular cafe.

Vividly colored walls and a perpetually crowded entryway are the hallmarks of this casual Baja-inspired cafe. Tucked discreetly behind the University of Washington's marine biology buildings, the refurbished...
citysearch.com - expert review - 01/19/2007
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Citysearch | A good location and easy paddling make this a prime place to take to the water in a rented kayak.

Whether paddling through the waterways of the arboretum or exploring Lake Union's houseboats, kayaking offers an affordable way to see the city from an unusual vantage point. Try an afternoon paddle to Madison...
citysearch.com - expert review - 09/08/2004
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Frommer's

Set on the shore of Portage Bay, which lies between Lake Union and Lake Washington, this casual Mexican restaurant is very popular with college students from the adjacent University of Washington....
frommers.com - expert review
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Wcities

once university of washington student housing, this airy house is now a thriving mexican restaurant and kayaking center. the chalkboard menu features baja-style tacos: smoked salmon, portabella mushrooms and...
wcities.com - expert review
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AOL CityGuide

with mexican this good, does anyone come to kayak?
cityguide.aol.com - expert review
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Yahoo! Travel

Find valuable restaurant information including descriptions, photos, reviews and interactive maps for Agua Verde Paddle Club & Cafe in Seattle, Washington. Locate additional information on sights, attractions...
travel.yahoo.com - expert review
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TripAdvisor

my boyfriend and i had heard really great things about this little hole-in-the-wall, so we were determined.....
tripadvisor.com - expert review
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Seattle Times

quick. name a seattle restaurant that's a) on the water, b) serves food that's not only good, it's cheap, and c) will rent you a kayak for a pre-prandial paddle. the answer is agua verde cafe & paddle club...
seattletimes.com - expert review
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New York Times

you can rent kayaks at agua verde, which is on a street bordering portage bay and surrounded by boat repair shops. the food here has been described as baja california mexican, which may refer as much to the...
nytimes.com - expert review
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Seattle Post-Intelligencer

agua verde spills out onto the sidewalk. part of the reason for this is the restaurant's picturesque view of lake union. but for the most part, agua verde's patrons are all about its low-priced and thoroughly...
seattlepi.com - expert review
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Amazon.com

agua verde is, in a word, outstanding. for the money, the food is second to none (try the sweet potato taco plate and make sure to get an order of their fabulous guacamole,) and, on a sunny day, you can sit...
amazon.com - expert review
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User Reviews of Agua Verde Cafe and Paddle Club

mango mango mango

the mangorita (mango margarita) and the mangodilla (mango quesadilla) were...
urbanspoon.com - user review - 02/26/2008
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Hot summer evening spot

If you can score a table on the deck, it's the perfect place to be on a hot...
urbanspoon.com - user review - 11/23/2007
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2 words: yam tacos

I love this place! I always get the yam tacos; they're my favorite. This...
urbanspoon.com - user review - 10/05/2007
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Agua Verde is ALL HYPE.

The only reason to go here is if you're hungry after kayaking and desperate. Try another place because the service is so-so, and the food is dry and subpar.
citysearch.com - user review - 08/22/2007
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Packed to the rafters for a reason

I didn't even make to the meal it was so busy! But I had appetizers, beer and margaritas before stepping out and they were good. The staff here feels stressed out which you can't really blame them, but makes you feel not wanted.
openlist - user review - 07/26/2007

Not Like the Old Days, But Still Great

Agua Verde is a cozy spot next to the water that serves up tasty, unique Mexican food. I'm not fond of the gloppy-cheese-laden messes that normally pass as Mexican; here that is not the case. The cheese is not the main focus of the food. My favorite meal is the generously sized "Mango-Dilla" appetizer, which is a quesadilla interspersed with fresh slices of mangoes. There used to be a self-service salsa bar which was delicious but no longer exists. They should bring it back.
openlist - user review - 06/29/2007

Nice Saturday Lunch

After reading all the reviews here we nearly passed, but decided to try Agua Verde as soon as it opened on a Saturday morning (11 am). Obviously there was no crowd. We found service to be fine, especially...
citysearch.com - user review - 04/14/2007
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Good Mexican In Seattle-Believe It!

Great taco plates with tasty fillings including smoked salmon, grilled halibut, deep fried cod, grilled shrimps and the usual meat fillings. All dishes come with an unusual looking green rice that has a...
citysearch.com - user review - 04/13/2007
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try Agua Verde

along Portage Bay in the U-District. I too find it hard to find non-greasy food, and even more expen...
judysbook.com - user review - 04/08/2007
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Awesome mexican

love it, love it, love it!! I go here all the time - while the line can sometimes be really long at lunch, they are fast and the food is great for the price. they have a ton of selections, and have some good...
citysearch.com - user review - 03/16/2007
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Unusual and Delicious

I liked that Aqua Verde had choices that I could not get at other Mexican/Hispanic restaurants. I had exotic fish tacos the first time I went and some sort of chipotle yam patties the next. Very tasty and...
citysearch.com - user review - 03/08/2007
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Beautiful View

I was lucky enough to try Agua Verde on a very atypical warm winter day. The restaurant was packed but we still managed to find a seat outside and received our food relatively quickly. Everything was fresh,...
citysearch.com - user review - 02/26/2007
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a paddle and a margarita?

fun, casual atmosphere- a great place to meet friends... paddle for an hour...
urbanspoon.com - user review - 02/26/2007
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Driven away!

I loved the food and drinks at Agua Verde, but I have one major complaint. We went on a crowded night and waited over 45 minutes for a table. The service was lightning-fast and attentive, but almost too much...
citysearch.com - user review - 02/22/2007
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Great food and views of Portage Bay

They have different dinner specials each night, and my favorite is Monday's...
urbanspoon.com - user review - 01/01/2007
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cheap eats, great quality!

Not only do I love the fact that Agua Verde uses a lot of good quality, free-range meats, but I also enjoy the fact that (and this shouldn't be a surprise to my readers), the horchata is FABULOUS! Horchata...
citysearch.com - user review - 11/07/2006
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fun location....decent food....a good date place

because of the fact that you can rent kayaks here as well....makes it convenient to do something fun...just don't drink too much and go out on the lake! the food here is average to above average, but perhaps i...
citysearch.com - user review - 10/25/2006
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Love it.

just wish the lines weren't so long! also, they should make the back deck more open...
judysbook.com - user review - 10/17/2006
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Fresh delicious Mexican!

I heard it was good Mexican food so my husband and I walked down (we live by the campus) on a Monday...
judysbook.com - user review - 09/18/2006
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Very Fresh!

I enjoyed the food. It was quite fresh tasting for being inexpensive. Be wary their can be lines and sometimes this small place can get crowded, but well worth it for the great tacos. The Pollo is my favorite...
citysearch.com - user review - 09/10/2006
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Horrible service

The food was just ok. A good deal, I guess becuase I didn't pay much. But our server only was around to take our orders and deliver our food. THEN, after we had paid, he has the audacity to come out to the...
citysearch.com - user review - 09/02/2006
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Great after Kayaking!

I've been to this place a few times now over the past years and it has never once failed to please me. The grilled catfish tacos taste fresh and the accompaniments you can choose, such as the cumin-spiced...
citysearch.com - user review - 08/21/2006
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Nice Patio, relaxed atmosphere

I stopped by for lunch today, on the early side, around 11:30am and that proved to be a good thing. This place can get quite busy. Food was good without being outstanding, but the overall atmosphere makes this...
citysearch.com - user review - 07/18/2006
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Used to be a fan

I used to love this place but the food has suffered the past couple of years. I don't know who died or left the place but the food is not worth the anxiety of the wait. Before I never noticed the nickel and...
citysearch.com - user review - 06/26/2006
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Great Deck

Good place to sit in the summer to soak up the rays, if you're lucky enough to get a spot!
citysearch.com - user review - 05/29/2006
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The good memories are gone

I remember when I was first introduced to Agua Verde back in college. I thought it was great -- the food, the atmosphere, and the service. After reminiscing about it many times, a friend who had never been...
citysearch.com - user review - 05/09/2006
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never again

I've been here before and said, 'it's worth the bad service and the wait to get the good food'. I retract my statement as I am in shock over the horrible experience that we had there. The wait staff was not...
citysearch.com - user review - 03/17/2006
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Bargain priced meal

Fabulous restaurant. They have inexpensive food, with just right portions. I love their Pollo and Halibut Tacos.
citysearch.com - user review - 10/21/2005
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One of my favorite places in Seattle

Amazing food and scenery and easy on the wallet -- fantastic place to bring out-of-town guests for a very casual meal overlooking the kayakers & houseboats.
citysearch.com - user review - 10/12/2005
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Not any more.

The service and the rules have always been a problem -- but the food used to be worth it. Not any more. If it wasn't hard to run a good restaurant with delicious, well-prepared food and a nice view, I guess...
citysearch.com - user review - 10/04/2005
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I LOVE AGUA VERDE

Well i suppose i am disagreeing with most of the people on here...but agua verde is my favorite restaurant ever! My mom and i live 45 minutes away from seattle and we come up once or twice a week to eat there....
citysearch.com - user review - 09/09/2005
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crazy to go

We have waited soooo long a few too many times for average food. Parking can also be quite a challenge and there is no service whatsoever.
citysearch.com - user review - 08/31/2005
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My favorite Mexican

Yeah the wait can be long, and maybe the staff has been less than cordial, but the food is always tasty and fresh. This is not really a place to take a large group, but my husband and I have always gotten in...
citysearch.com - user review - 08/05/2005
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Rules, Rules, Rules

#1 All people must be present before they will seat your group. #2 You can wait for your group on the patio. #3 You can order drinks and chips at the counter. #4 You must pay for chips even if you're waiting...
citysearch.com - user review - 07/07/2005
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Problem with the Portion Size

When my food came I was suprised at how small the portions were. I assumed that $8 would get me: three "full-sized" tacos as advertised! Yet when my food arrived, the taco filling for one normal sized taco had...
citysearch.com - user review - 05/19/2005
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it's worth the wait

you may have to wait in line for a while, but once you have a sip of a "tuna" margarita or bit into a spicy catfish taco, you'll be glad you waited. show up right at 5 when the open to get the best outdoor...
citysearch.com - user review - 03/20/2005
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Delicious and Organic

Agua Verde has that awesome salsa bar, an interesting menu, waterfront view, and something that is very important to me - organic ingredients!! They use local farms and care what they feed their customers. I...
citysearch.com - user review - 01/15/2005
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Nothing but great from Agua Verde!

I first stumbled upon Agua the first few months they were open and have been a regular ever since! I have never been disappointed with their food quality, selection or prices and the service (at dinner) has...
citysearch.com - user review - 12/08/2004
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Seattle's Best Value

Agua Verde is hands-down one of the best values in Seattle--especially for picky and healthful eaters. I eat here often. The food is NOT your classic Azteca-style blend of processed foods. The menu combines...
citysearch.com - user review - 11/13/2004
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Agua Mediocre

We really looked forward to trying this place. Were we ever let down! Our dinner plates were buried in bland green salad and nearly tasteless rice. The entree squeezed in the middle was just a couple bites...
citysearch.com - user review - 07/14/2004
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Good Grub

I've been to AG several times over the past two years, I've never had any of the problems other posts have talked about. However, this may be because I 1) go by myself or with just one friend and 2) I drive on...
citysearch.com - user review - 06/22/2004
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What Fish Taco?

After waiting for over an hour for a seat, I was ready to try the "famous" fish taco. I orderred the catfish taco. What I got was a few flakes of catfish in my taco. I was still hungry after eating it. Their...
citysearch.com - user review - 06/20/2004
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I love Agua Verde.

Despite the not-so-happy revues I have read, I have no such complaints! This restaurant can be very busy, but I've never regreted waiting for seats! Its a great little spot to stop and pick up lunch with a...
citysearch.com - user review - 05/23/2004
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Used to be better for vegans

This is an awesome restaurant, don't get me wrong. Recently, however, they removed the best dish for vegetarians & vegans. It was called "Tacos De Hongo", and it was delicious. Spicy mushrooms with vegetables,...
citysearch.com - user review - 03/16/2004
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Fabulous!

Ignore the whinny whiners here! I've been to Agua Verde for 7th time, and it's a great place for cheap! Love those yam yam tacos (although I'm not a vegetarian, they're scrumptiously yummy!)... I don't...
citysearch.com - user review - 02/10/2004
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know what you're getting into

we were a group of 6 who made a reservation one month in advance (for our monthly "dinner club"). Upon arrival, we were told thaey do not accept reservations on Wednesdays (wish they had told me that when they...
citysearch.com - user review - 10/20/2003
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Relax

Giong to Aqua Verde is like little trip to rural mexico. Relax, leave your attitude behind and just enjoy the surroundings. The food is great. I've read the comments on the service and I can only say that this...
citysearch.com - user review - 09/24/2003
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Good food is not all it takes

After reading all the reviews, I wanted to see for myself. While it's clear a captive audience (nearby workers) will probably keep the place running, it's sad to see how things are handled. The quality of the...
citysearch.com - user review - 08/27/2003
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don't get the wrong idea...

The service is not the traditional sort, but I find the friendliness and helpfullness of the staff more than makes up for the rest!
citysearch.com - user review - 08/25/2003
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Can't Please Everyone

I've been going to AV for years and have to say it is one of the best places is town. The food is fabulous, especially for those of us who enjoy Mexican without packing on the pounds or prefer no meat....
citysearch.com - user review - 07/20/2003
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Most Overrated Restaurant in Seattle?

The best way of summing it up is to say that every time I enter Agua Verde, I become angry. This restaurant's success is due entirely to its location near the University. The food is way below average for...
citysearch.com - user review - 07/18/2003
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lafulba

Corn chips and corn tortilla..where is the food. One of the most disappointing food experiences in Seattle, and I have been there 3x hoping it will get better. chips and tortillia but no food.. for $6.. and...
citysearch.com - user review - 05/08/2003
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Still Needs Improvement ...

Those who work in the neighborhood are quite familiar with Agua Verde's delicious food and long lines. That part is OK. We can go early, or be prepared to wait. But refusing to seat people while one of their...
citysearch.com - user review - 02/13/2003
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hey you, whiner! stay away...

Just because waitstaff doesn't kiss your butt doesn't make them rude. They give back what they get. I've only had good experiences here. The excessive rules are silly though. This place has very unique take on...
citysearch.com - user review - 02/01/2003
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Youthful, Fun, Easy On The Pocketbook

Agua Verde is a fun, fresh restaurant that offers waterfront dining without waterfront prices. Excellent for a night out with a few friends or a date on a college student budget. The service is practically...
citysearch.com - user review - 12/30/2002
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My favorite lunch in town

I don't know why anyone wouldn't love this place! Every time I go there I like it more, especially the shrimp tacos. Great margaritas, too.
citysearch.com - user review - 12/04/2002
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Bland Food Bad Service

Don't know what all the rave is about. Been there twice and both times encountered bad food and worse service. I give this place a "D" for "Don't Come".
citysearch.com - user review - 11/25/2002
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Perception is reality

I have eaten at Aqua Verde a number of times. Each time the food was fabulous. The drinks were stiff. (Good pour) and the service was as it should be for a partial self-service place. If Azteca is your idea of...
citysearch.com - user review - 11/24/2002
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Rudeness Abounds

I see I am not the only person to rate the service as "rude". The place was literally empty and they refused to seat my husband and I at a 3-person table when our 3rd was literally 2 minutes away. It's not so...
citysearch.com - user review - 10/29/2002
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Great place!

My second time at Agua Verde yesterday, a little busy to get a seat but then worth the time waiting, service and food are great also was a wonderful band playing bossa nova.I'll be back.
citysearch.com - user review - 10/25/2002
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UW students' best kept secret

I'm a student at the U so it's important to me and my friends to find cool cheap places to eat with good (healthy) food. Simple enough concept, however it proved to be a miserable hunt my freshman year. Until...
citysearch.com - user review - 10/19/2002
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Rudeness doesn't deserve business...

While the food and view might be good, I've had it with Agua Verde, won't be going back and don't recommend it. After a few mediocre service experiences today was the last straw. Right at opening I witnessed...
citysearch.com - user review - 08/27/2002
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Authentic, Fresh, and Fun!

At 5 minutes until 5pm, when doors re-open for dinner, there is already a small crowd hovering near the front door! As doors open, we are seated on the charming outside deck (right on Lake Union) and showed to...
citysearch.com - user review - 08/13/2002
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Waterfront Dining Under 10 BUCKS???

It's cute, it's nice, and you can rent a kayak if you're still feeling adventurous. I don't know where else in Seattle you can dine LITERALLY RIGHT ON THE WATER for UNDER 10 bucks, show up in Seattle style...
citysearch.com - user review - 08/08/2002
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9.3

Go Fridays and get the special! (Whole chicken in a grapefruit and prickly pear sauce) I also recommend a shot of Patron before and or after.
citysearch.com - user review - 08/08/2002
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Quick, delicious, affordable eats

First time I went there, the line stretched out the door. Now I understand why. Great food and a very casual atmosphere. Prices are just a touch above the "fast-food" range, but the food is first rate. Their...
citysearch.com - user review - 07/22/2002
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Great food but always busy

Agua Verde is my choice spot for great Mexican food. The only drawback is that everyone else thinks so too so the line is usually long there - but worth the wait.
citysearch.com - user review - 07/19/2002
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It was ......Okay....

Yeah, the "rule" about not seating anyone until all of the party is there is kind of goofy. Especially since my husband was within sight across the street parking the car. Inside was extremely cramped and...
citysearch.com - user review - 06/22/2002
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