Went to Luella's Southern Kitchen on a whim and I'm already figuring out when I can go back. The room has an easy hum to it. Nobody's performing, everybody's happy to be there, and the staff treated us like they were glad we showed up. Start with the sweet tea. It's the real thing. The Nashville hot chicken and waffles is the move. The heat has actual flavor behind it instead of just burn, and it builds in a way that keeps you going back for another bite. Then I tried the shrimp and grits and had a small crisis about which one I liked better. Still haven't settled it. The grits were creamy, the shrimp had real seasoning, and I cleaned the plate. Fair warning: none of this food is for anyone on a diet. That's the point. Come hungry, wear the forgiving pants, and let somebody else count things for the day. read more

Was inspired by social media foodie Tim Shropshire to come here the next time we were in Chicago. The food was amazing. Comes our piping hot! The chicken was delicious and the pancakes were out of this world. Similar to some of the other comments, it would be nice to first come in, sit down, get relax then have someone take your order when dining in. However you place your order at the front door and then can sit down. The customer service lacked tremendously from the youthful stuff(late teens/very early 20's) But I will say the most underwhelming thing about this experience was the building. Inside & out it was very primitive & just flat out old. I know they just moved from another location and looking to get their foot in the door. But hopefully a renovation is in the plans. The inside is a bit of an eye soar. Needless to say, I would come back if in the area because of the food. But I wouldn't go out of my way patronize them. read more

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Went in for Juneteenth and it was a great idea!! The chicken was perfectly cooked and the waffles were delicious. I promise myself next time I come back I HAVE TO TRY Something else on the menu the chicken & waffles is so good I just can't help myself. We went in as right when they open.. so it was quiet and our food came out quickly. But lines started forming shortly after. They were booked for the whole day with reservations- so glad we made them! The service was excellent. The owner came to our table to check in on us- it made a big difference. read more

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I've had Luella's Southern Kitchen on my list for a while, and my friend and I finally made it in. They did not disappoint. It gives you a family dining room vibe. They were out of pancakes, but we tried the Nashville Hot Chicken and Waffles, strawberry cream French toast, biscuits and gravy, beignets, and a brisket egg pie. The chicken was cooked to perfection, and everything tasted fresh and made to order. The biscuits and gravy had a lot going on flavor wise, and I did not try them with the pimento cheese, but everything else was a hit. The only area for improvement I noticed was during table cleaning. Staff were spraying cleaning chemicals near customers' food, and food was brought to the table immediately after handling the cleaning products. A little more attention to food safety practices would go a long way. Overall, the food was delicious, service was friendly, and I would definitely come back, especially to try those pancakes next time. read more

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I was very excited to try this place and while it wasn't a bad experience, I don't think I'll be back any time soon. The way their restaurant is set up is unique. You have to wait to be seated, but you have to go up to their register to order. Not terrible, but it is like half of the experience of going to a sit down restaurant. We ordered our food but it took over an hour to come out. My mom got the chicken and waffles, and I have to say, their chicken is AMAZING. Best thing on their menu hands down. Unfortunately, they ran out of it for my other friend to order. I got the pancakes and bacon. I didn't care for the pancakes, truthfully, but my sister-in-law really liked them! All comes down to personal taste. I think their food is great but service definitely left something to be desired. Takes a while to even get water. Overall, with a few tweaks, I think this place could be great because the foundation is there. read more

Luella's Southern Kitchen - Southern Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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They close at 2pm, and we came around 12:45 on a Saturday. The host said it would be a 45 minute wait, but it only ended up being about a 15 minute wait. You order at the counter with the host, pick a table, and then they bring your food to you. We ordered the Nashville hot chicken and waffles, biscuits with jam, mac and cheese, bacon, and hash brown. I loved everything. The biscuits were so soft, the hashbrown was crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, the mac and cheese was delicious, and the fried chicken was perfectly spiced and crispy. I was starting to get full but wanted to keep eating because it was so good. A minor complaint is that they forgot to give us silverware before bringing us our food. It also seemed like the servers weren't really paying attention to when the food was ready at the counter to bring to the tables, and at one point the kitchen staff even yelled at a server for not paying attention. It seemed like they were prioritizing cleaning up the restaurant before closing, even though people were still waiting on their food. read more

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This is a place where you order in front and sit down and wait to get your food. I felt a little rushed to make a choice due to other customers and decided on the breakfast sandwich. My brother got the shrimp and grits. I will say it felt like the service was a bit slow and we waited a bit for our food and even our drinks. Some people around us ordered the chicken and waffles which looked so good, it kind of overpowered what I was actually eating. It wasn't until I got home and ate my leftovers that I realized the breakfast sandwich was delicious. The egg was fluffy and the jam was yummy! My brother also enjoyed his food. We shared a side of Mac and cheese which I also thought was good. I would definitely return to try other things. read more

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This place is small and quaint with so much charm. I absolutely loved walking in and hearing old-school music playing on a record player -- it felt like my daddy's music and instantly gave me a wave of nostalgia. The service was great. Our waiter was friendly, attentive, and more than happy to answer any questions we had about the menu. And the food? EVERYTHING we ordered was amazing. The pancakes were fluffy with just the right amount of crisp around the edges. The chicken and waffles were perfectly crunchy and packed with flavor. Such a cozy spot with great vibes and even better food. I'll definitely be back! read more

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If I could give this 100 s I would. My GOODNESS. This is the best fried chicken I've ever had. Rest of the dishes are truly superb. Owner and rest of the staff treated us like family. Service was great. Will support this business as much as possible. read more

Such a cute little spot! If you didnt go looking for it you might pass it up, but either way they must be popular because we arrived shortly after opening and they were already almost sold out of a few options! Upon arrival you take a look at the menu, order at the register and then seat yourself. The food came out quickly but fresh! I was blown away at the size and taste of the pancakes I would order again and again! The Mac was made to perfection, the bacon was caramelized and the hashbrowns were different, I think they were deep fried? Everything was a 10/10!! read more

Luella's Southern Kitchen - Southern Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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This is my first time trying southern food and 10/10 experience!!!! This place was packed when we came so the food came out a bit slow, and I felt so bad for the workers... they kept checking in on us and apologizing for the long wait time. The wait time was so worth it! My favorite was the biscuit and gravy and I will be thinking about it for a while read more

Luella's Southern Kitchen - Hash brown, chicken and waffles, and biscuit and gravy - Southern Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Loved the new location.......It's spacious with an outdoor patio. The arrangement of ordering and paying was the same as the previous location, but my wife noticed that a few white patrons were allowed to sit without ordering or paying. She made a note of it to me more than once. We ordered: Buttermilk pancakes, shrimp and grits, chicken and waffles, and a side of brown sugar bacon and scrambled eggs. We waited about 30 minutes for the food to start coming out. It didn't all come out at once. The chicken and waffles with the shrimp and grits came to the table first. The grits were the star. Cooked to perfection and tasted like it was flown straight from New Orleans. The chicken and waffles were solid, although my waffles were slightly burnt. Still, some of the best fried chicken I've ever had. Overall, my meal was good. With the grits being a pleasant surprise. My wife had the pancakes, and I know when they finally came out, she wouldn't like them......I waited until we had all our food before I ate, which took about another 10 - 12 minutes after we received the first part of our order. The pancakes looked like mini soufflés. Not what she was expecting, and she also mentioned the bacon was burnt. But she agreed the grits were the best thing we ordered. Going even further to say, she could've just ordered the eggs and grits. To recap: Love the new location....Spacious and ample metered street parking. There was some problem with the wait time and the entire order coming out together, or at least close together. She didn't like how some people were being prompted to order and pay before sitting, and some people were not. And she didn't like any of her food, although I enjoyed mine........Ultimately, the price, the wait, and the drive wasn't worth the food or experience........But I will acknowledge, they're a work in progress. read more

Excited to try Luella's! About time since they've been in the neighborhood. Crab-stuffed shrimp and grits are fine, a little gritty but what do I expect lol. The collared greens have some meat on it so it's not vegetarian in case people are curious. The beignets were different than what I expected them to be: larger, more doughy, seems that there is cornmeal in it and maybe coconut? Not sure. All of them are still delicious. Compostible box packaging except for the collared greens. Prices in Yelp are outdated. read more

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One last meal at Luella's before they move locations! You can never go wrong with their buttermilk fried chicken, which includes half a full chicken and collard greens. I always treat myself to a skillet cornbread and it is totally worth the wait! Quick and easy to order. You can find seating when it's not peak hours, but still very busy until the end. read more

Luella's Southern Kitchen - Skillet Cornbread with Honey Butter Buttermilk Fried Chicken - Southern Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

This menu is simple! The space is simple! The FOOD is unforgettable! The FOOD is outstanding! It's packed with flavor! It's fresh and more than enough! I had plenty of leftovers! We tried the shrimp & grits, that shrimp was juicy and tasty! The chicken and waffles, delicious and packed with flavor! The French Toast was raspberry and amazing, soft and fluffy with crispy edges. Service, you order up front, then go find a seat and wait for your food to be served. Owner came out and spoke with a few guest, including us, he was nice and friendly. Other staff were attentive and friendly as well. We will be back! It's small and was packed quickly after opening. read more

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Wow this place SLAPS. The best recovery brunch of my life, the chicken and waffles (both Nashville and original flavors) are crispy, moist and delicious. Really nicely paired with the waffles. Good beignets but not my fave in the city (a lil more dense than my preference). Pretty good cream cheese grits (but I think I'm a cheddar girl). Amazing service, they made room for us so we didn't have to wait 1 hour. Perfect New Years Day brunch to kick off the year. Very cute vibes inside, diverse, what's not to like read more

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Visited the new location on Kedzie today. Parking was easy and though the restaurant was a bit crowded finding seats was easy. I ordered at the front and took a seat to wait for my food. After about 30 minutes I got my chicken, French toast , mac& cheese and for dessert beignets. The chicken was fried perfectly, the French toast was thick and the gingerbread topping added a nice sweetness and crunch, my mac and cheese was good and the beignets were delightful!. It took a little time to get the food but when it arrived it was really good. read more

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I came in on a late Saturday morning by myself. The host did tell me that there was a wait for a table but I was able to snag the last open seat at the bar. What the host did not warn me about is the long wait for the food, too. Because I sat at the bar, I ordered and paid with the host. I then sat down and since I had an electronic copy of my receipt, I calculated that it was 52 minutes from the moment I paid to the moment my food arrived. Nearly an hour! And I was by myself! I might not have gone if I knew there would be such a long wait. The hash brown was crispy and flavorful but greasy. The short rib benedict was okay. read more

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So this was my first time trying Luella southern kitchen and I must say I enjoyed my experience. A friend and I decided to meet up for lunch after work and I ordered the chicken and waffles with mac & cheese and she got shrimp and grits with collard greens. I will say I wasn't the biggest fan of the waffle. I prefer a lighter waffle, and this one was a bit dense. The chicken was pretty tasty. It was very crispy which I don't mind. And well flavored. The mac & cheese was also pretty good but as a southerner (Alabama born) my standards are a little bit higher for mac & cheese. But I wasn't disappointed in the experience. My friend said her shrimp and grits were really tasty and they were very plentiful with the portion of seafood included. The grits were extremely creamy and very flavorful and it gave her a New Orleans vibe. She also really enjoyed her collard greens. Overall, the service was really good. You do have to order immediately upon entering and then finding a seat, but our staff was really pleasant and have beautiful smiles. I loved the oldies that were playing on the record player. I thought that just gave it a beautiful vibe and nice environment. I would definitely recommend having a nice Saturday or Sunday brunch here. read more

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First spot I tried when I landed in Chicago, and it didn't disappoint! The chicken and waffles were fire. The chicken was HUGE and worth every penny. The waffle, though, was a bit soft and the flavor wasn't mind-blowing. I personally prefer a crispier, more flavorful waffle. The service was friendly, and we were greeted as soon as we walked in. The ambiance has a cozy, homey feel that makes you comfortable right away. Overall, a great experience! read more

Luella's Southern Kitchen - Nashville Hot Chicken and Waffles - Southern Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Seriously incredible. Possibly the best fried chicken you've ever had will be here with a delicious waffle and syrup to match. I also got the special, Hot Honey Shrimp Biscuit, and it also was a life changing experience. Small diner vibe could use some sprucing up, but I enjoyed its intimate feel. Everyone was kind and warm. Cannot wait to show everyone this place! read more

Luella's Southern Kitchen - Chicken and Waffles Hot Honey Shrimp Biscuit - Southern Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I've been wanting to come here for a very long time. I heard that they were going to shut down in the fall of 2024 but it seems like they extended their lease for the time being. The place itself is rather small and can get full pretty quickly. We were fortunate enough to have gotten the last table. They also have big communal tables as well. You order your food at the counter and they'll bring it to your table. You grab your own utensils, waters and napkins on the side. Overall I would say the service was a bit slow. Perhaps we all arrived at the same time, but it seem like we waited longer than I would have wanted to. It was definitely worth the wait though. My wife ordered their Nashville Chicken & Waffles and I ordered their shrimp and grits. Both dishe were also on the pricey side but damn were they both good. The chicken and waffles had the perfect amount of heat and sweetness. The chicken was perfectly fried and tasted delicious with the waffles. My shrimp and grits seemed small at first but they were actually pretty filling and also very delicious. The they load the dish up with plenty of bbq shrimp and the grits were cooked perfectly. Very creamy and flavorful. The bbq shrimp was also full of flavor. They online the tail on, but they're not hard to get off. Maybe just a little messy. We couldn't leave Luella's without trying their beignets. These are the most authentic beignets I have had outside of New Orleans. They were fluffy but not dense. Most places make these very thick squared donuts, but powder sugar on them and sell them as beignets. Nope. Not here you get the real thing here. Despite the expensive dishes and long wait time, they won me over with the deliciousness of their food. I hope they aren't going anywhere and will definitely be returning. read more

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Went to the new location. We were greeted by Motown music playing by the door. It was too loud because my friend and I were hardly able to hear the gentleman at the door. The place is well lit and spacious. They have a bar you can sit but not sure if they will start selling alcohol. The concept is still the same. You order and pay first and they will bring your food to you. The fried chicken is still a favorite. The chicken has great flavor and fried perfectly. The waffle was delicious and there's no need to add syrup. I had the stuffed shrimp and grits. I personally did not like it. They put their Nashville sauce on the shrimp and I am not a fan of the sauce. Something in it was too overpowering. Perhaps too much paprika I don't know, but the hashbrowns were perfect. read more

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Wow, what a gem. After reading reviews we added this place to our list of must visits in Chicago. We were a group of 11 and it worked out that the previous large group was finishing up, so the large table was ready within 15 minutes. Ordering is done at the counter and you help yourself to forks, silverware, napkins and plates. We ordered the fried chicken and greens, a side of Mac and cheese and , cornbread. The food was very good. Service was also good. Everyone was attentive. It takes 16-20 minutes to fry chicken, so if you want your chicken cooked properly, be patient. Parking is a bear in Chicago. We parked on the street around the corner in the free parking area. read more

Luella's Southern Kitchen - Outside - Southern Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Coming into this establishments please know it is small on the inside but the service is fast. I was really impressed with the food but I wouldnt mind trying it again when I am alone. I got the shrimp and grits with chicken and waffles. The chicken was too greasy. The waffle was good. My shrimp and grits had a kick to it so I couldnt enjoy it. read more

Food was delicious, service was excellent and everyone was inviting, friendly and professional. read more

Luella's Southern Kitchen - Brown Sugar Bacon and Hash Brown - Southern Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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The food was excellent! I hated "savory" grits, but this place made me a fan! OMG! I cannot emphasize how good they were with the added seafood (hint more than shrimp)! The fried chicken and waffles was finger licking! Thanks guys for the Tennessee sauce (hot)! The ambivalence with the oldies on records combined withe a the hospitality made this a favorite spot for us! On you travels visit people! read more

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Had a craving for chicken and waffles this morning and found this place and it took me back to home southern cooking delicious

I see why everyone talks about Luella's because it was delicious! During my very first visit to Luella's a few years ago I made the mistake of going at the every end of their night. They were out of all the good food options, I'm allergic to shellfish so I couldn't try the shrimp and grits. Going to Luella's and not being able to try their famous fried chicken is like going to the beach and not touching the sand. During this second visit I went within the first hour of them being open to ensure they had everything. First off, they do not take reservations so it is first come first serve for seats and food. The inside isn't massive but they have a good amount of four top tables, two single person tables, and one long table. I wouldn't recommend coming with a party larger than four. It was early enough that we didn't have to wait for a table. Before you grab a seat they direct you to order at the front to get your table number if you're dining in. I ordered the famous chicken its greens and of course the mac-n-cheese. All of it was delicious! I can see why Luella's will sometimes sell out of the top items before they close. The chicken was juicy and crispy. The greens and mac-n-cheese were made well. I would definitely come back to Luella's but I would stick with coming closer to when they open because everything from the seating to food is first come first serve. read more

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I remember when the Luella's opened in their OG location on Lincoln...loved it then, love it now. My friend and I had brunch at the new location today, and WOW. We got: crab stuffed shrimp and grits, boudin breakfast sandwich, and a side of mac and cheese to share. Gentle reader, I got food-high. The shrimp and grits were just as delicious as I remember from years ago. The mac is amazing, and arrives in a little cast iron pot with a beautiful crusty top. But that boudin biscuit sandwich? Shut the front door. One of the best breakfast sandwiches I've ever eaten. The boudin sausage patty is PERFECTLY complimented by the blackberry jam. And somehow the biscuit held together, despite being beautifully soft and flaky. Witchcraft. We were seated fairly quickly - we were told the wait was about an hour, but we got seated in about 20 minutes. There was a bit of a wait for our order, but I don't mind, because it was a packed house, which I love to see in their new location. And chef-owner Darnell is a gem. Run, don't walk. You won't be sorry. read more

If you're visiting Chicago, Luella's should be your first stop. And if you're from Chicago and haven't been here yet, make sure you stop by! When I tell you, this is some of the best food I had in Chicago--I mean it! My friend and I got seated very quickly. We ordered the buttermilk biscuit with the homemade jam, hash browns, chicken and waffles, and beignets. The biscuit was sooo buttery, the egg and sausage were perfectly cooked and seasoned, AND THE JAAAM omg that sweetness tied it all together. Most US restaurants purchase prepackaged hash browns from Sysco. Not here. Nope, these hash browns were clearly fresh. It was simple (salt, pepper, rosemary), I'd recommend some hot sauce with them. For the chicken and waffles, I got the chicken "Nashville style" (spicy) and oh my goddd best decision. It had such a good crunch and depth of flavor. The chicken was cooked PERFECTLY (cooked all the way through and not dry at all)! I also appreciated that they didn't skimp on the maple syrup. This was my first time having beignets and let me tell you it was heavenly. My friend said it was the best she'd ever had. All the food came out piping hot, was portioned generously, and worth the cost. We sat outside in their patio area behind the restaurant. It's a quaint and has lots of seating. There are some tables in the shade, but not most. I enjoyed the INCREDIBLE food, kind hospitality, quick service, and mellow atmosphere. I will absolutely be back! read more

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If I lived near here, I would go at least twice a month. This was my second time here, and we both got the Nashville hot chicken and waffles, and boy, does it hit the spot. It's spicy and delicious. Service is fast, but it gets really packed right away, so I would get there right when they open if you want a spot to sit. The ambiance is laid-back, and you can take your time. They're opening a new location in 10 days. read more

Luella's Southern Kitchen - Chicken and Waffles - Southern Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Luella, Luella, Luella, you have a damn fine kitchen on your hands here. Southern fried and smothered in love this place is a Chicago gem. My humble favorite is the shrimp and grits with a strong glass of sweet tea chased with some greens. The bayou and the levees and the cross roads may be a long ways away, but these scrumptious bites transport you! read more

Went in on a Sunday. Was very busy . Set a reservation and the host released it before within 7 minutes - although they give 10 minute grace period. read more

Came for breakfast. 2 entrees - Chicken and Waffles - Pancakes with blueberry compote. $45 Waffle was underdone as you can tell by the stringy dough.. Chicken was eh...honestly the fried chicken at Pete's Market chain is waaay better and 8.99 for an 8 piece hah. Also the blueberry compote is just slightly cooked blueberries and you get about 7 of them. It's not compote. Experience did not match up to the reviews. Finding out now they moved locations and maybe under new management? I would recommend passing this spot. $45 for 2 plates of mediocre and undercooked food is not worth it. Also they have this pay up front first with a bold sign saying "No Refunds"...so I didn't even bother to ask. The staff were friendly. read more

Best food I've had in Chicago!!! The shrimp and grits and gumbo were my favorites but every dish is literally so good. Comforting and hearty soul food that makes me keep wanting to come back. I've been here like 4x already, but it's not enough. Service is really friendly too. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!! read more

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Everything was amazing!! I ordered the crab, stuffed shrimp and grits, the pancakes, mac & cheese, and collard greens. This is some of the best food I've ever had. read more

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After a long hiatus I took the pilgrimage to check out the new location on Kedzie. I first met Chef Darnel over 9 years ago at his original location in Lincoln Square. His unique dishes are always delicious and leave you craving more. A bonus at the new location is a great sunny patio and bar seating. I really enjoyed the biscuit and gravy with pimento cheese, andouille, chicken strips, and jalapeños. You certainly won't leave hungry. They just opened a week ago and the staff are so nice and welcoming. read more

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I just read about the reopening of this restaurant and a very disappointed. I understand the chef wanting to spend more time with his family, but to totally change the restaurant and eliminate items from your menu. I do not feel as the way to do it. You got chicken on the menu, but I have to order a waffle in order to get it. We'd love to come to your restaurant in Lincoln Square and have a fried chicken greens and cornbread for dinner. I guess now we can't even have that for lunch without a waffle. Maybe you should just hire more help so you can stay home with your family. read more

This little gem owes me and my little family nothing. 5 stars across the board. Food top tier, staff top tier, small romantic ambiance top tier. Crab stuffed shrimp and grits and pancakes is what we ordered. Beyond amazing. I don't even know why they have 4 stars. This place deserves 5 stars and its flowers. The only small little issue is the bathroom is in the basement. I was only thinking for those who may be disabled how difficult it would be for them. Maybe not wheelchair accessible friendly. read more

Luella's Southern Kitchen - Southern Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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