Esmeralda Grill Menu – Cary, NC

Type : Mexican restaurant

Location : Cary, NC

Unfussy strip-mall eatery offering typical Mexican staples such as tacos, enchiladas & burritos. Based on 910 reviews, the restaurant has received a rating of 4.4 stars. Price $

✔️ Dine-in ✔️ Takeout ✔️ Delivery

Esmeralda Grill 27511

Address:
748 E Chatham St STE J, Cary, NC 27511

Phone: (919) 377-2455

Website:

Hours

Wednesday 10 AM–10 PM
Thursday 10 AM–10 PM
Friday 10 AM–11 PM
Saturday 10 AM–11 PM
Sunday 10 AM–10 PM
Monday 10 AM–10 PM
Tuesday 10 AM–10 PM

Menu

Appetizers
App Quesadilla
Four tortillas with cheese, grilled onions and peppers. Served with salsa, guacamole and sour cream.
$9.25
Chicken Nachos
Crispy tortilla chips covered with melted cheese, sour cream, jalapenos, salsa, guacamole and green onions.
$11.25
Fresh Guacamole
Fresh avocado, onions, tomatoes, Serrano peppers, cilantro, fresh lime juice. Served with tortilla chips and salsa.
$9.95
Cheese Dip
Melted Monterey Jack and Cheddar and White Cheddar cheese, served with nacho chips.
$6.95
Antojitos
Tostadas
Three fried tortillas, topped with slow braised chicken, lettuce, onion, tomatoes, avocado, sour cream, cheese and jalapenos.
$10.95
Taquitos
Five deep-fried rolled tacos, filled with slow-braised chicken, topped with lettuce, tomatoes, onions, cheese, sour cream, avocado and jalapenos.
$9.95
Empanadas
Three corn tortillas filled with slow-braised chicken. Served with lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream, onion, cheese, jalapeno and avocado. Optional to be only cheese with lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream, etc.
$11.95
Enchiladas
Four slow-braised chicken enchiladas, your choice of red mole or green sauce. Served with lettuce, onions, sour cream and cheese.
$12.95
Huaraches
Two thick handmade tortillas stuffed with refried beans then topped with your choice of chicken, beef or pork. Served with lettuce, tomatoes, onions and avocado.
$11.95
Sopes
Three thick fried flour tortillas topped with your choice of meat. Served with lettuce, sliced tomato, grilled onions, sour cream, avocado, jalapenos and cheese.
$11.95
Chiles Rellenos
Deep-fried Poblano pepper filled with chicken picadillo (ground chicken with diced tomatoes, onions, potatoes and carrots), and fresco cheese, covered with flour and battered eggs, served with tomato sauce and rice.
$11.95
Soups | Sopas
Menudo $14.95
7 Mares
Seafood soup.
$17.95
Caldo De Camarones
Shrimp soup.
$14.95
Caldo De Res
Beef soup.
$15.95
Caldo De Pollo
Chicken soup.
$12.95
Chicken Soup With 4 Taquitos $16.95
Salads
Mexican Salad
Grilled chicken topped with tomato slices, black beans, fresh corn,mixed greens, iceberg lettuce with our lemon dressing, garnished with avocado, crispy tortilla chips and queso fresco.
$10.95
Fajita Salad
Romaine lettuce, mixed greens tossed in our creamy dressing, topped with grilled peppers, grilled onions, grilled corn and queso fresco.
$9.95
Tacos
Asada | Grilled Steak Taco
Topped with onion and cilantro.
$2.99
Pollo | Chicken Taco
Topped with onions and cilantro.
$2.99
Al Pastor | Marinated Pork Taco
Topped with onions and cilantro.
$2.99
Carnitas | Pork Taco
Topped with onions and cilantro.
$2.99
Cachete | Cheek Taco
Topped with onions and cilantro.
$2.99
Barbacoa | Braised Beef Taco
Topped with onions and cilantro.
$2.99
Chorizo | Braised Beef Taco
Topped with onions and cilantro.
$2.99
Tripa | Beef Tripe Taco
Topped with onions and cilantro.
$3.99
Lengua | Beef Tongue Taco
Topped with onions and cilantro.
$3.99
Taco Platter
Three tacos served with rice and beans, topped with onion and cilantro.
$12.95
Tortas
Al Pastor | Marinated Pork Torta
Mexican bread sandwich filled with lettuce, tomatoes, onions, avocado, jalapenos, mayo and your choice of meat.
$11.95
Asada | Grilled SteakTorta
Mexican bread sandwich filled with lettuce, tomatoes, onions, avocado, jalapenos, mayo and your choice of meat.
$11.95
Pollo | Chicken Torta
Mexican bread sandwich filled with lettuce, tomatoes, onions, avocado, jalapenos, mayo and your choice of meat.
$11.95
Milanesa | Breaded Beef Or Chicken Torta
Mexican bread sandwich filled with lettuce, tomatoes, onions, avocado, jalapenos, mayo and your choice of meat.
$11.95
Jamon Y Queso Blanco Torta
Ham and white cheese. Mexican bread sandwich filled with lettuce, tomatoes, onions, avocado, jalapenos, mayo and your choice of meat.
$11.95
Chorizo Con Jamon Torta
Ham and Mexican sausage. Mexican bread sandwich filled with lettuce, tomatoes, onions, avocado, jalapenos, mayo and your choice of meat.
$11.95
Salchicha Y Jamon Torta
Ham and hot dog sausage. Mexican bread sandwich filled with lettuce, tomatoes, onions, avocado, jalapenos, mayo and your choice of meat.
$11.95
Cubana Torta
Ham,hot dog sausage, pork, egg and cheese. Mexican bread sandwich filled with lettuce, tomatoes, onions, avocado, jalapenos, mayo and your choice of meat.
$13.95
Burritos
Al Pastor | Marinated Pork Burrito
All burritos are stuffed with rice, beans, lettuce, tomatoes, grilled onions, jalapenos and cheese, then covered with your choice of green or red sauce and topped with pico de gallo and cilantro.
$11.95
Asada | Grilled Steak Burrito
All burritos are stuffed with rice, beans, lettuce, tomatoes, grilled onions, jalapenos and cheese, then covered with your choice of green or red sauce and topped with pico de gallo and cilantro.
$11.95
Pollo | Chicken Burrito
All burritos are stuffed with rice, beans, lettuce, tomatoes, grilled onions, jalapenos and cheese, then covered with your choice of green or red sauce and topped with pico de gallo and cilantro.
$11.95
Buche | Pork Stomach Burrito
All burritos are stuffed with rice, beans, lettuce, tomatoes, grilled onions, jalapenos and cheese, then covered with your choice of green or red sauce and topped with pico de gallo and cilantro.
$11.95
Barbacoa | Braised Beef Burrito
All burritos are stuffed with rice, beans, lettuce, tomatoes, grilled onions, jalapenos and cheese, then covered with your choice of green or red sauce and topped with pico de gallo and cilantro.
$11.95
Chorizo | Mexican Sausage Burrito
All burritos are stuffed with rice, beans, lettuce, tomatoes, grilled onions, jalapenos and cheese, then covered with your choice of green or red sauce and topped with pico de gallo and cilantro.
$11.95
Chorizo Con Huevo Burrito
Mexican sausage and egg. All burritos are stuffed with rice, beans, lettuce, tomatoes, grilled onions, jalapenos and cheese, then covered with your choice of green or red sauce and topped with pico de gallo and cilantro.
$11.95
Jamon Con Huevo Burrito
Ham and eggs. All burritos are stuffed with rice, beans, lettuce, tomatoes, grilled onions, jalapenos and cheese, then covered with your choice of green or red sauce and topped with pico de gallo and cilantro.
$11.95
Fajitas
Chicken Fajitas
Grilled chicken breast marinated in special red sauce. Our fajitas are all served with red and green bell peppers, onions, tomatoes and handmade tortillas.
$13.50
Steak Fajitas
Marinated steak. Our fajitas are all served with red and green bell peppers, onions, tomatoes and handmade tortillas.
$16.50
Tejanas Fajitas
Shrimp, steak and chicken, Served with lettuce, guacamole, sauce and sour cream. Our fajitas are all served with red and green bell peppers, onions, tomatoes and handmade tortillas.
$17.95
Veggie Fajitas
Bell peppers, tomatoes, Nopal cactus, grilled zucchini, cilantro and handmade tortillas. Our fajitas are all served with red and green bell peppers, onions, tomatoes and handmade tortillas.
$14.95
Platillos
Carne Asada
Grilled steak. Served with rice, beans, guacamole, sour cream, salad and pico de gallo. All platillos are served with an order of three handmade tortillas.
$15.99
El Trio Perfecto
The perfect trio. Grilled steak, chicken breast and marinated pork. Served with rice, beans, lettuce, sour cream, pico de gallo and guacamole.
$15.99
Molcajete
Grilled steak, chicken, pork, shrimp, cactus, hot sauce, melted cheese, salad, guacamole, salsa and sour cream.
$16.25
Carne Enchilada
Grilled marinated pork with dried red peppers and herbs. Served with rice, beans,lettuce, guacamole, sour cream and pico de gallo.
$12.95
Pollo A La Plancha
Grilled chicken served with rice, beans, lettuce, guacamole, pico de gallo and sour cream.
$11.50
Seafood
Fresh Grilled Tilapia
Served with rice, beans and side salad (lettuce, pico de gallo, sour cream, guacamole).
$12.25
Camarones A La Diabla
Sauteed shrimp tossed in a very spicy tomato and chili hot sauce. Served with rice, beans and side salad (lettuce, pico de gallo, sour cream).
$13.95
Aguachile
Fresh butterfly shrimp marinated in lime juice, cucumbers, onion, cilantro, salt and pepper, Serrano peppers, all served in a bowl. Served with salted crackers.
$14.95
Mojarra Frita
Fresh fried tilapia served with rice, beans, lettuce, pico de gallo, sour cream and guacamole.
$13.95
Tostadas De Camaron
Three fried tortillas topped with butterfly shrimp, marinated in lime juice, tomatoes, onion Serrano pepper, lettuce, avocado and cilantro.
$13.50
Combos
2 Items Combo
Your choice of two selections. All combos come with a side of Mexican rice and black refried beans.
$11.99
Kids’ Menu
Kids Chicken Fingers
Served with French fries.
$6.99
Kids Chicken Quesadilla
Served with French fries.
$6.99
Kids Cheese Quesadilla
Served with French fries.
$6.99
Kids Taco Platter Jr
Two small tacos. Choice of beef or chicken, served with rice and beans.
$6.99
Kids Jr. Burrito
Small flour tortilla with beef or chicken.
$6.99
Sides
French Fries $3.75
Rice $2.75
Guacamole $3.75
Refried Beans $2.75
Tortillas (3) $1.25
Chips $1.25
Salsa $1.25
Sour Cream $0.75
Pico $0.75
Beverages
Jarritos
Mexican soda.
$2.75
Desserts
Ice Cream
Served with chocolate syrup.
$4.00
Churros $4.50
Appetizers
App Quesadilla
Four tortillas with cheese, grilled onions and peppers. Served with salsa, guacamole and sour cream.
$9.25
Chicken Nachos
Crispy tortilla chips covered with melted cheese, sour cream, jalapenos, salsa, guacamole and green onions.
$11.25
Fresh Guacamole
Fresh avocado, onions, tomatoes, Serrano peppers, cilantro, fresh lime juice. Served with tortilla chips and salsa.
$9.95
Cheese Dip
Melted Monterey Jack and Cheddar and White Cheddar cheese, served with nacho chips.
$6.95
Choriqueso $7.95
Antojitos
Tostadas
Three fried tortillas, topped with slow braised chicken, lettuce, onion, tomatoes, avocado, sour cream, cheese and jalapenos.
$10.95
Taquitos
Five deep-fried rolled tacos, filled with slow-braised chicken, topped with lettuce, tomatoes, onions, cheese, sour cream, avocado and jalapenos.
$9.95
Empanadas
Three corn tortillas filled with slow-braised chicken. Served with lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream, onion, cheese, jalapeno and avocado. Optional to be only cheese with lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream, etc.
$11.95
Enchiladas
Four slow-braised chicken enchiladas, your choice of red mole or green sauce. Served with lettuce, onions, sour cream and cheese.
$12.95
Huaraches
Two thick handmade tortillas stuffed with refried beans then topped with your choice of chicken, beef or pork. Served with lettuce, tomatoes, onions and avocado.
$11.95
Sopes
Three thick fried flour tortillas topped with your choice of meat. Served with lettuce, sliced tomato, grilled onions, sour cream, avocado, jalapenos and cheese.
$11.95
Chiles Rellenos
Deep-fried Poblano pepper filled with chicken picadillo (ground chicken with diced tomatoes, onions, potatoes and carrots), and fresco cheese, covered with flour and battered eggs, served with tomato sauce and rice.
$11.95
Chimichanga $11.95
Soups | Sopas
Menudo $14.95
7 Mares
Seafood soup.
$17.95
Caldo De Camarones
Shrimp soup.
$14.95
Caldo De Res
Beef soup.
$15.95
Caldo De Pollo
Chicken soup.
$12.95
Chicken Soup With 4 Taquitos $16.95
Salads
Mexican Salad
Grilled chicken topped with tomato slices, black beans, fresh corn,mixed greens, iceberg lettuce with our lemon dressing, garnished with avocado, crispy tortilla chips and queso fresco.
$10.95
Fajita Salad
Romaine lettuce, mixed greens tossed in our creamy dressing, topped with grilled peppers, grilled onions, grilled corn and queso fresco.
$9.95
Fajita Salad Chicken $10.95
Fajita Salad Steak $11.95
Fajita Salad Shrimp $11.95
Tacos
Asada | Grilled Steak Taco
Topped with onion and cilantro.
$2.99
Pollo | Chicken Taco
Topped with onions and cilantro.
$2.99
Al Pastor | Marinated Pork Taco
Topped with onions and cilantro.
$2.99
Carnitas | Pork Taco
Topped with onions and cilantro.
$2.99
Cachete | Cheek Taco
Topped with onions and cilantro.
$2.99
Barbacoa | Braised Beef Taco
Topped with onions and cilantro.
$2.99
Chorizo | Braised Beef Taco
Topped with onions and cilantro.
$2.99
Tripa | Beef Tripe Taco
Topped with onions and cilantro.
$3.99
Lengua | Beef Tongue Taco
Topped with onions and cilantro.
$3.99
Taco Platter
Three tacos served with rice and beans, topped with onion and cilantro.
$12.95
Tortas
Al Pastor | Marinated Pork Torta
Mexican bread sandwich filled with lettuce, tomatoes, onions, avocado, jalapenos, mayo and your choice of meat.
$11.95
Asada | Grilled SteakTorta
Mexican bread sandwich filled with lettuce, tomatoes, onions, avocado, jalapenos, mayo and your choice of meat.
$11.95
Pollo | Chicken Torta
Mexican bread sandwich filled with lettuce, tomatoes, onions, avocado, jalapenos, mayo and your choice of meat.
$11.95
Milanesa | Breaded Beef Or Chicken Torta
Mexican bread sandwich filled with lettuce, tomatoes, onions, avocado, jalapenos, mayo and your choice of meat.
$11.95
Jamon Y Queso Blanco Torta
Ham and white cheese. Mexican bread sandwich filled with lettuce, tomatoes, onions, avocado, jalapenos, mayo and your choice of meat.
$11.95
Chorizo Con Jamon Torta
Ham and Mexican sausage. Mexican bread sandwich filled with lettuce, tomatoes, onions, avocado, jalapenos, mayo and your choice of meat.
$11.95
Salchicha Y Jamon Torta
Ham and hot dog sausage. Mexican bread sandwich filled with lettuce, tomatoes, onions, avocado, jalapenos, mayo and your choice of meat.
$11.95
Cubana Torta
Ham,hot dog sausage, pork, egg and cheese. Mexican bread sandwich filled with lettuce, tomatoes, onions, avocado, jalapenos, mayo and your choice of meat.
$13.95
Burritos
Al Pastor | Marinated Pork Burrito
All burritos are stuffed with rice, beans, lettuce, tomatoes, grilled onions, jalapenos and cheese, then covered with your choice of green or red sauce and topped with pico de gallo and cilantro.
$11.95
Asada | Grilled Steak Burrito
All burritos are stuffed with rice, beans, lettuce, tomatoes, grilled onions, jalapenos and cheese, then covered with your choice of green or red sauce and topped with pico de gallo and cilantro.
$11.95
Pollo | Chicken Burrito
All burritos are stuffed with rice, beans, lettuce, tomatoes, grilled onions, jalapenos and cheese, then covered with your choice of green or red sauce and topped with pico de gallo and cilantro.
$11.95
Buche | Pork Stomach Burrito
All burritos are stuffed with rice, beans, lettuce, tomatoes, grilled onions, jalapenos and cheese, then covered with your choice of green or red sauce and topped with pico de gallo and cilantro.
$11.95
Barbacoa | Braised Beef Burrito
All burritos are stuffed with rice, beans, lettuce, tomatoes, grilled onions, jalapenos and cheese, then covered with your choice of green or red sauce and topped with pico de gallo and cilantro.
$11.95
Chorizo | Mexican Sausage Burrito
All burritos are stuffed with rice, beans, lettuce, tomatoes, grilled onions, jalapenos and cheese, then covered with your choice of green or red sauce and topped with pico de gallo and cilantro.
$11.95
Chorizo Con Huevo Burrito
Mexican sausage and egg. All burritos are stuffed with rice, beans, lettuce, tomatoes, grilled onions, jalapenos and cheese, then covered with your choice of green or red sauce and topped with pico de gallo and cilantro.
$11.95
Jamon Con Huevo Burrito
Ham and eggs. All burritos are stuffed with rice, beans, lettuce, tomatoes, grilled onions, jalapenos and cheese, then covered with your choice of green or red sauce and topped with pico de gallo and cilantro.
$11.95
Fajitas
Chicken Fajitas
Grilled chicken breast marinated in special red sauce. Our fajitas are all served with red and green bell peppers, onions, tomatoes and handmade tortillas.
$13.50
Steak Fajitas
Marinated steak. Our fajitas are all served with red and green bell peppers, onions, tomatoes and handmade tortillas.
$16.50
Tejanas Fajitas
Shrimp, steak and chicken, Served with lettuce, guacamole, sauce and sour cream. Our fajitas are all served with red and green bell peppers, onions, tomatoes and handmade tortillas.
$17.95
Veggie Fajitas
Bell peppers, tomatoes, Nopal cactus, grilled zucchini, cilantro and handmade tortillas. Our fajitas are all served with red and green bell peppers, onions, tomatoes and handmade tortillas.
$14.95
Platillos
Carne Asada
Grilled steak. Served with rice, beans, guacamole, sour cream, salad and pico de gallo. All platillos are served with an order of three handmade tortillas.
$15.99
El Trio Perfecto
The perfect trio. Grilled steak, chicken breast and marinated pork. Served with rice, beans, lettuce, sour cream, pico de gallo and guacamole.
$15.99
Molcajete
Grilled steak, chicken, pork, shrimp, cactus, hot sauce, melted cheese, salad, guacamole, salsa and sour cream.
$16.25
Carne Enchilada
Grilled marinated pork with dried red peppers and herbs. Served with rice, beans,lettuce, guacamole, sour cream and pico de gallo.
$12.95
Pollo A La Plancha
Grilled chicken served with rice, beans, lettuce, guacamole, pico de gallo and sour cream.
$11.50
Seafood
Fresh Grilled Tilapia
Served with rice, beans and side salad (lettuce, pico de gallo, sour cream, guacamole).
$12.25
Camarones A La Diabla
Sauteed shrimp tossed in a very spicy tomato and chili hot sauce. Served with rice, beans and side salad (lettuce, pico de gallo, sour cream).
$13.95
Aguachile
Fresh butterfly shrimp marinated in lime juice, cucumbers, onion, cilantro, salt and pepper, Serrano peppers, all served in a bowl. Served with salted crackers.
$14.95
Mojarra Frita
Fresh fried tilapia served with rice, beans, lettuce, pico de gallo, sour cream and guacamole.
$13.95
Tostadas De Camaron
Three fried tortillas topped with butterfly shrimp, marinated in lime juice, tomatoes, onion Serrano pepper, lettuce, avocado and cilantro.
$13.50
Combos
2 Items Combo
Your choice of two selections. All combos come with a side of Mexican rice and black refried beans.
$11.99
Kids’ Menu
Kids Chicken Fingers
Served with French fries.
$6.99
Kids Chicken Quesadilla
Served with French fries.
$6.99
Kids Cheese Quesadilla
Served with French fries.
$6.99
Kids Taco Platter Jr
Two small tacos. Choice of beef or chicken, served with rice and beans.
$6.99
Kids Jr. Burrito
Small flour tortilla with beef or chicken.
$6.99
Sides
French Fries $3.75
Rice $2.75
Guacamole $3.75
Refried Beans $2.75
Tortillas (3) $1.25
Chips $1.25
Salsa $1.25
Sour Cream $0.75
Pico $0.75
Beverages
Jarritos
Mexican soda.
$2.75
Desserts
Ice Cream
Served with chocolate syrup.
$4.00
Churros $4.50

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Photo Gallery

Reviews

Rebecca
Absolutely delicious! The best Mexican I’ve had in a very long time. I’m a vegetarian so I was able to order a veggie burrito. I got half red and half green sauce on it. The green would be my go to next time. Very flavorful! The burrito was packed with rice, beans and sauteed veggies. Most places just give you rice and beans in some tiny tortilla. This burrito was massive! Everyone else’s meals looked delicious too. We went during happy hour so tacos are $1.50 each. Very friendly staff too! The place isn’t fancy inside, but the food is amazing! Go here you will love it!

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C Hall
New favorite Mexican food restaurant. We visited for the first time a few weeks ago and we’ve already come back twice more. I’ve tried the chicken burrito (it’s huge) and it was really really good, even the next day as leftovers. The second time we went I got chicken sope, loved it! This time, I tried the huaraches with chicken picadillo. The chicken is pretty darn good. Plenty of fresh lettuce and the good cheese. The chips and salsa are terrific, too! The chips crackle like they are multi layered. I have to try not to fill up on them because they are so great I’ll forget about my meal! Oh, yeah, the cantaloupe agua fresca is amazing and tastes just like a juicy, delicious cantaloupe. I two thumbs up recommend this restaurant! The only tiny thing I don’t love is that sometimes the music is too loud.

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Dave C
EAT HERE!! Great food, great prices, and great staff. Everything is fresh and homemade, but priced like an “average” Mexican restaurant. In my opinion, this is the best quality for the cost of any restaurant in Cary.

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Madison Collins
Best authentic Mexican food I have ever had in my life. The flavor is unmatched and the spice level is very enjoyable. The Molcajeta can easily feed two people who are big eaters. Horchata was also great. 10/10

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Ines Rios
The restaurant could use some image upgrades but the food was incredible. Great huge portions, delicious flavors and very kind service. The quesabirria tacos were my favorite.

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Micaela Percy
I continue to frequent this establishment. The Caldo de Pollo is delicious, but it does take 30 minutes to prepare so be willing to wait or call ahead!! I love the fajitas tejanas as well as the molcajete! You really cannot go wrong.

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Sameer Dave
The food quantity is crazy and prices were good too. We got the burrito with the red sauce. Was not that great as we expected. I was expecting more flavor and spice but was not as good.

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Xero Requiem
Ordered food to go. The staff I interacted with were all friendly and professional. There was a slight additional wait time on my pickup order, but I was happy with that since it meant my food was coming out fresh and wasn’t waiting for me ahead of time.

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Daniel Li
All the food we got was 10/10. Great meats and the portions are generous.

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Satish Babu
We came here on a friends recommendation. Very authentic Mexican food. We ordered Mole de polo, ordered Empanada, Asada burrito, quesabirria taco. All of them were excellent. The portions are huge. We pretty much packed half of the food.

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