The Australia Times

AUSTRALIAN OPEN DINING SOUTHGATE STYLE

29 November 202217 January 2018 by Connie Lambeth

Dine Well then Water Taxi to The Australian Open! Pre Tennis Package at Pure South Dining and P.S Bar + Kitchen Pure South Dining has been a fine dining institution for 13 years. Following their 2017 renovation and expansion over two levels, the river level of the restaurant has now been reimagined as P.S. Bar + … Read more

Melbourne Launch – Argentinian Restaurant Palermo

27 November 202213 December 2017 by Connie Lambeth

Melbourne’s Palermo offers classic vibe…

Words by Celeste Iuliano – Images Supplied

There’s a new kid on the block in little Bourke St! Argentinian restaurant Palermo opened with a bang this month, with a traditional street band and tango dancers taking to the street to celebrate the launch. Named after the vibrant and trendy barrio in Buenos Aires, Palermo offers a more classic vibe than its sister restaurant, the bohemian, goucho-inspired San Telmo.

However, a few San Telmo favourites have made it onto the menu. You’ll still be able to order the beef, green olive, and boiled egg empanadas, the spiced morcilla sausage, and the morish dulce de leche crème caramel flan with salted peanut praline. The point of difference at Palermo is the charcoal fire pit, which is used to cook pork, and the asado de cordero, Gippsland Suffolk lamb which stays in for 6-7 hours. The result is a tender, slightly smoky dish that pairs perfectly with papas (fried potatoes with garlic aioli), and zanahorias (a carrot and eggplant purée with smoked almonds and brown butter dressing). Also not to be missed is the vacío, a 300g O’Connor’s premium pasture fed flank steak that absolutely melts in your mouth.

Good Argentinian wine is also a strong focus, and you’ll find a selection from producers such as Ruca Malen and Humberto Canale to match with the signature carne asado. Quilmes beer is also on offer, and will likely be a popular choice as the Melbourne summer heats up.

The lively atmosphere and sharing culture at Palermo definitely make it one to add to the list for your next group night out.

**Celeste was a guest of Palermo/Kate & Co – Hayley Edwards – additional images by Thomas Bindley

Connie Lambeth – The Australia Times News

Editor GOURMET – Food/Wine/Events

E: literallyconnie@gmail.com

E: connie.lambeth@theaustraliatimes.com.au

W: editorcsl.com

Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tatgourmetmag/

ADDITIONAL PICS COURTESY OF PALERMO & THOMAS BINDLEY…

Here Comes the Sun: Southgate Restaurants Showcase Summer Delights

11 September 20228 November 2017 by Connie Lambeth

Melbourne’s Southgate Restaurants Warming up with a Season of Foodie Feasts & Events

With Summer around the corner there’s a feast of foodie events with new seasonal produce, riverside alfresco dining, a festive dessert workshop and end of year celebrations at Southgate Melbourne

Summer means longer days and warmer nights with a refreshing cocktail and seasonal share plate in hand, taking in scenic city views along the banks of the Yarra River. To make it all the more enticing, Southgate Melbourne’s slew of riverside restaurants and bars has a range of events and specials from November-January.

Alfresco dining is back in a big way with the newly refurbished and expanded riverside diner BearBrass primed to welcome the warmer months. With 350 breakfasts turning over every hour each weekend, the venue is preparing for their busiest time of year. The new look venue features an open bar where you can watch the chefs preparing your food while the bartender mixes your favourite cocktail. BearBrass venue manager Michael Singleton says “Our new bright burnt orange colour scheme has brought a vibrant, fresh feel to the venue.”

Dessert bar Damon Bradley is set to host their first summer pastry workshop for sweet treat lovers on Saturday 2 December. Masterchefs-in-the-making will have the chance to work alongside the Damon Bradley pastry chefs and learn to plate up like a pro just in time for Christmas. You’ll also get to sample some of their new season desserts bursting with summery flavours, like the Devonshire crepe filled with the award-winning Damon Bradley lemon curd topped with fresh berries.

Melbourne’s multi award winning Italian restaurant and gelateria Tutto Bene, took out yet another award this year, winning Best Italian Restaurant in Victoria at the 2017 Restaurant & Catering Savour Awards. Head Chef Nathan Scarfo looks for vibrancy in the colour of his produce and counts asparagus, snap peas and zucchini flowers to be among his favourites for the warmer months.

“Our new dishes all have a focus on using the whole ingredient. We are focusing on traditional Italian cooking – simple, no wastage, with every ingredient having multiple uses,” says Nathan. One of his summer menu highlights is the Fiori di Zucchini: fried zucchini flowers, roast pumpkin, peppitos and mustard fruits, best enjoyed on the Tutto Bene Terrazza with a crisp glass of Chardonnay.

Following its recent expansion over two levels and the launch of the more casual PS Bar + Kitchen, the new Pure South Dining continues to make the most out of the best produce of the season with Executive Chef David Hall highlighting pears, asparagus, broad beans and broad bean leaves as his ingredients of choice.

“We keep our dishes simple and allow the amazing spring and summer produce to be the hero. Our house cured line-caught Kingfish with dashi, meyer lemon, wakame and quail egg is proving to be very popular and a great simple dish heading into the warmer months,” says David.

Family favourite La Camera Southgate has one of the best Aperitivo Hour deals in Southbank, accompanied by sweeping balcony views over the Yarra River. Sip on a complimentary Italian cocktail (choose from Negroni, Sbagliato, Aperol Spritz and more) with any antipasti plate.

ENA Greek Street Food puts an authentic Greek spin on the most important meal of the day with the launch of their new breakfast menu. Think Spanakopita, Tyropita (layered buttery filo with cheesy egg) and Strapatsada (Greek style scrambled eggs with tomato and fetta) and for the sweet tooths, Bougatsa (semolina custard filled pastry).

One of Southgate’s favourite watering holes, Waterslide Bar, has reinvented the spritz with their signature “Tinder Date” cocktail, the perfect accompaniment for flirtations on their leafy riverside balcony. The refreshing drink combines delectable French Loire Valley Cremant Sparkling with fresh berries and yuzu.

Southgate’s stable of riverside restaurants will come alive throughout the festive season with Christmas lunches hosted by iconic Irish pub P.J.O’Brien’s and German Bier Bar Grill Hophaus. The silly season continues with an array of New Year’s Eve celebrations including Waterslide Bar, ENA Greek Street Food, BearBrass, P.J.O’Brien’s and Hophaus, each boasting some of the best firework-viewing vantage points.

Southgate is home to fifteen diverse restaurants, bars and eateries, with cuisines ranging from German to Tasmanian to modern European. A range of boutique retailers including vintage fashion, books and stationery can also be found within the precinct.

www.southgatemelbourne.com.au

**Information & Images Courtesy of Southgate Restaurants/Fuller PR

Connie Lambeth – The Australia Times News

Editor GOURMET – Food/Wine/Events

E: literallyconnie@gmail.com

E: connie.lambeth@theaustraliatimes.com.au

W: editorcsl.com

Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tatgourmetmag/

READ ON FOR THE FULL PROGRAM OF FOODIE FEASTS & EVENTS RIGHT THROUGH TO NEW YEAR’S

Rockpool Dining Group & Four Pillars Create New Small-batch Gin

11 September 20228 November 2017 by Connie Lambeth

Rockpool Dining Group & Four Pillars Collaboration Rockpool Dining Group bar managers and mixologists have collaborated with Four Pillars Distillery to craft a limited-edition Maker Session Gin, which is exclusively available on the drink menus at the Group’s premium restaurants in Sydney and Melbourne. Just 30 bottles of the Four Pillars & Rockpool Maker … Read more

The Spook-tacular Fitzroy Street Halloween Festival!

13 September 202231 October 2017 by Connie Lambeth

St Kilda, Melbourne

Last Saturday 28th October

The Fitzroy Street Halloween Festival was totally spook-tacular as you can see by the fabulous pics!

Roving entertainment and fun-filled activities ensured there was something for everyone whatever the age.

The Fitzroy Street Halloween Festival ran from afternoon through to early eve, with celebrations spanning the entire length of Fitzroy Street. Special appearances from some of our favourite Halloween personalities, included the Addams Family, the creepy cast of Rocky Horror, and the one and only Dracula, helped maintain a vibrant atmosphere.

However this community event wasn’t all screams and scares! Endless family friendly entertainment included stilt walkers, fire twirlers, and face painters keen to transform fresh faces.

There were plenty of treats alongside the tricks last Saturday, with a variety of cafes, restaurants and bars along Fitzroy Street guaranteed to calm your terror.

Many of the traders and stores along the famous Fitzroy Street strip also got in on the action, decorating their stores, and hosting some of the special guests.

The cauldron was certainly brewing with Fitzroy Street totally transformed, entertaining both Halloween first-timers, to veterans of the festival.

Thanks to Helen Reizer hrpr

Images by HRPR

Connie Lambeth – The Australia Times News

Editor GOURMET – Food/Wine/Events

E: literallyconnie@gmail.com

E: connie.lambeth@theaustraliatimes.com.au

E: editorcsl.com

Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tatgourmetmag/

More Pics…

Saké’s New Spring Dishes

13 September 20223 October 2017 by Connie Lambeth

Words by Connie Lambeth

Images Supplied/Dessert Image Connie Lambeth

If there’s such a thing as a ‘riff of dishes’, the tastebuds were fairly singing during our recent lunch at Saké Restaurant and Bar Flinders Lane, Melbourne.

With a reputation for creative Japanese food, this sophisticated, award-winning restaurant was set to showcase a selection of their new Spring dishes, designed by Saké Restaurants’ Executive Chef, Shaun Presland. Presland recently returned to the Rockpool Dining Group after travels in New York, London and Tokyo, where he won the silver prize at the Washoku World Challenge 2016, now leading the ‘culinary vision, innovation and execution for the whole Saké brand’.

www.theaustraliatimes.com/welcome-back-to-sake-shaun-presland

Executive Chef of Saké Restaurants — Shaun Presland, Executive Chef Saké Restaurants

The semi-private dining space with view of the restaurant, was the ideal spot to observe chefs calmly working their magic in the open kitchen, while guests sipped Lychee inspired cocktails, keen to take on ‘traditional Japanese food with a contemporary twist’.

Welcomed by Presland and the Executive Chefs of Saké Flinders Lane and Saké Hamer Hall, brothers Yosuke Hatanaka and Shimpei Hatanaka, it was time to settle down to some serious feasting.

Yosuke & Shimpei Hatanaka — Yosuke Hatanaka – Saké Flinders Lane & Shimpei Hatanaka – Saké Hamer Hall

Our Spring lunch turned out to be a feast of ten inspirational dishes, crafted with a depth and balance of flavours which can only be achieved through a high degree of technical expertise, along with the inclusion of several distinctive ingredients, some unique to Japanese cooking. Textural differences were significant, from ‘silk and velvet’ to ‘pop and crunch’ and all things in-between.

Selection of Saké Spring Dishes

so many palate pleasers, a bundle of personal highlights…no particular order!

king brown mushroom – Totally hooked on this yakitori, with the firm fleshy texture of the ‘hero ingredient’ elevated with the sour hit of sudachi. Seriously good.

agedashi tofu – While tofu is often tagged as ‘bland’, the bean curd takes on a whole new dimension when a professional takes up the challenge. This dish was both tasty and delightfully textural. With silken tofu covered in sweet potato starch and seaweed, then lightly deep fried, the end result presented as delicate, pretty on the plate. The crunchiness, biting down to the creamy heart, was satisfying to say the least. Served with asian mushroom and tentsuyu dip.

chicken – Another awesome yakitori with all the gratification of edging succulent morsels off a skewer! Meat marinaded in shio koji, the dish was accompanied by spicy daikon oroshi. The crunch of the Japanese radish, with a hint of sweet and slight note of spice, worked really well in this dish.

octopus – So meaty, so succulent. A richness of flavour ramped up beautifully with the chili oil and konbu. Still thinking about this flavour-packed dish, while the kitchen team are likely still discussing the size of the tentacles of this whopping catch!

miso glazed ‘glacier 51’ toothfish – when Shaun Presland mentioned this fish was actually caught on a glacier, a ‘glacier to plate’ image sprang to mind, evoking thoughts of wild caught/pristine/fresh/icy. There was something quite special about this dish. A ‘sweetish’ white fish, delicate, with a degree of flavour complexity, served as the best fish should be…minus the interruption of bold flavours. Use of a traditional miso glaze was an excellent choice.

**more info on glacier 51 toothfish: glacier51toothfish.com

chirashi salad – There was little chance of easing to a stop when the last savoury course presented as a pile of perfect salad greens…perhaps the deep fried chicken bites peeking through the leaves proved just too tempting! Either way the plate was (almost) wiped clean. The smack of crunchy chicken and tang from the yuzu vinaigrette splashed over leaves, turned out to be a real palate cleanser and quite the moreish little number.

**further savoury dishes included a sashimi chirashi salad, kingfish, 2 pork dishes, and a beef tataki

chef’s choice dessert – What a treat when dessert was delivered in a traditional bowl with a lid; a surprise package exuding mystery, a definite conversation starter. Designed in part for special occasions, a lidded bowl certainly has the effect of making a diner feel special. Lid off, the visual appeal was striking. Though this deconstructed tofu cheesecake aroused plenty of comment, less than a mouthful later all had succumbed to the spell of the lush blend of silken tofu, marscapone, and cream cheese, shrouded in mandarin coulis with fresh fruit segments and edible flowers. As a guest noted: ‘nothing quite beats the light, fresh taste of a fruity dessert to finish off a meal’, with the tang of the citrus lifting this dish to another level.

A superb end to an impressive dining experience at Saké Flinders Lane.

With Saké Restaurant & Bars in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane, kick a few of your ‘must try’ restaurant goals this Spring.

*Thank you to chefs and kitchen team, Nicole and wait staff for our wonderful day!

www.sakerestaurant.com.au

**Please Note: Menus vary in individual Saké Restaurants

Buta no kakuni - braised pork belly — Buta no kakuni – braised pork belly

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**Connie was a guest of Rockpool Dining Group

This is an independent account – Saké Restaurant & Bar Flinders Lane – 22nd September 2017

Connie Lambeth – The Australia Times News

Editor GOURMET – Food/Wine/Events

E: literallyconnie@gmail.com

Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tatgourmetmag/

Yakitori selection varies at individual Saké Restaurants

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READ ON to see Yakitori Menu at Saké Flinders Lane and Saké Hamer Hall, Spring menus for Shaun Presland lunch, plus additional pics from Saké Restaurants…

OKTOBERFEST Returns to Hophaus Southgate Sat 16th Sept – Annual Dachshund Race Saturday 23rd September

13 September 202211 September 2017 by Connie Lambeth

MELBOURNE

OKTOBERFEST AT HOPHAUS SOUTHGATE

16th September to 22nd October

Teckelrennen Annual Dachshund Race Saturday 23 September

Time to don your dirndl and lederhosen, as Oktoberfest returns to Melbourne at Hophaus Southgate from Saturday 16 September to Sunday 22 October

With over six million people predicted to attend the 207th anniversary of Oktoberfest in Germany, Hophaus Bavarian Bier Bar Grill will transport Melbourne to Munich with a five-week program of festivities and events from 16 September to 22 October 2017.

Hophaus’ Oktoberfest 2017 will see the return of a cult favourite calendar event: the Teckelrennen Annual Dachshund Race on 23 September. Short dog legs will race with fury and fanfare for the third annual event that draws swarms of fest and dog lovers alike. Dog costumes are expected to increase in creativity as competition for Best Dressed Dachshund becomes ever more fierce.

The official Opening Day on Saturday 16 September will see former Melbourne Football Club Captain, David Neitz, trade his football jersey for Lederhosen and take over official duties as Hoptoberfest’s Mayor for this year’s festivities. With his German heritage proudly on show, Neitz, also the founder of Brewmanity Beer Company, will welcome guests to the fest launch at Hophaus with the traditional Tapping of the Keg at midday and free bier frothing until the keg runs dry.

The most paw-pular event on the spring racing calendar, Hophaus’ Annual Dachshund Race is co-presented by Southgate Melbourne and My Dachshund Online, and will raise money for Dachshund Rescue Australia.

‘The dog race that stops the nation’ is held in the Southgate Podium Courtyard with heats starting at 11am followed by finals. Witness the four-legged frenzy as the dachshunds make a mad dash down the 15-metre racetrack in the bid for the top prize.

Hophaus is proud to have raised over $6200 for Dachshund Rescue Australia over the last two years, with over 150 sausage dogs having taken part.

The dogged Costume Parade will be held at midday. Watch pampered pooches strut their stuff down the ‘dogwalk’ for the coveted prize and then continue the festivities at Hophaus with a refreshing German lager, German food and plenty of entertainment with one of Melbourne’s best German bands the Black Forest Trio playing into the night.

For more information and to view the full Hophaus Oktoberfest 2017 program of events visit hophaus.com.au.

What: Oktoberfest 2017 at Hophaus Southgate

When: Saturday 16 September – Sunday 22 October 2017

Hoptoberfest Opening Day Saturday 16 September

Location: Hophaus Bier Bar Grill, Mid Level, Southgate Melbourne, 3 Southgate Avenue Southbank

Where: Hophaus Bier Bar Grill, south end of the mid level overlooking the Yarra River, Southgate Melbourne. Southgate is located opposite Flinders St Station, on the Yarra River adjacent to the Arts Centre.

**The Dachshund Race will be held in the Southgate Podium Courtyard, outside St Johns Church.

www.hophaus.com.au

https://www.instagram.com/hophausbar/

https://www.facebook.com/Hophausbar

https://twitter.com/HOPHAUSBAR

@HOPHAUSBAR

>#HophausDachyRace

Bookings: Bookings are advised for Lunch or Dinner throughout Oktoberfest. Get in early and Book your table online, call 03 9682 5900 or email prost@hophaus.com.au.

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Information & Images Courtesy of Hophaus Southgate/Fuller PR

Connie Lambeth – The Australia Times GOURMET News – Editor – Food/Wine/Events

E: literallyconnie@gmail.com

Follow us on Instagram @tatgourmetmag

READ ON FOR OKTOBERFEST PROGRAM OF EVENTS/FOOD & BIER AT HOPHAUS SOUTHGATE

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‘LAUNCHING’ AT THE CLIVEDEN!

10 December 20224 September 2017 by Connie Lambeth

THE CLIVEDEN BAR AND DINING

Words by Celeste Iuliano

Images Courtesy of Thomas Bindley, The Cliveden Bar & Dining/Kate & Co.

Last week’s Launch Event at The Cliveden Bar and Dining kept the cocktails flowing, as the crowd moved between tables of tempting bites. Charcuterie? Freshly shucked oysters anyone? Plenty of action at the bar too, with my personal fave a flamboyant passionfruit cocktail, aptly tagged ‘Flaming Passion’, chartreuse alight! This is one beverage designed to end an impressive meal, or kick off a night on the town!

The Cliveden offers guests a ‘new way to buffet’. There are 5 different buffet menus, influenced by Mediterranean and European flavours, all with a focus on fresh ingredients and artisanal food. Between charcuterie, perfectly cooked meat and seafood, and delicate desserts, you’ll enjoy quantity and quality.

While you’re at The Cliveden, be sure to spend some time in the lounge. With 116 seats and a relaxing vibe, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy your Espresso Martini! The bar boasts European and local craft beers, ciders, a selection of the best Australian wines, and signature cocktails such as the Bloody Aussie Negroni, a creation of Four Pillars Shiraz Gin (Vic), Red Økar Amaro (S.A.), and Maidenii Sweet Vermouth (Vic).

The Cliveden Bar & Dining is part of Pullman Melbourne on The Park’s $6 million makeover. Conveniently located a stone’s throw from the MCG, it is based on the site of the original 1887 mansion. In early Federation Melbourne, The Cliveden was a popular social club, and host to several balls and garden parties. Today it retains the original stained glass panelling and restored woodwork, however the bar and dining area has been given a modern makeover. The combination of classic and contemporary elements makes for a classy, intimate space.

Love an imaginative Cocktail, flavour packed dining choices, and a beaut spot to chill?

Head to the Cliveden!

The Cliveden Bar & Dining Pullman Melbourne On The Park 192 Wellington Parade
East Melbourne VIC 3002

Reservations: thecliveden@accor.com

Website: www.theclivedenbaranddining.com.au

Instagram @thecliveden
Facebook @theclivedenbaranddining

**Celeste was a guest of The Cliveden Bar & Dining and Kate & Co.

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Additional Information Courtesy of The Cliveden Bar & Dining/Kate & Co. – Hayley Edwards

Connie Lambeth – The Australia Times Gourmet News – Food/Wine/Events

E: literallyconnie@gmail.com

Follow us on Instagram @tatgourmetmag

Looking for more pics from the Launch? Read on…

FEAST ON A MIDDLE EASTERN THEMED MENU AT TRUNKTOWN

13 September 202221 August 2017 by Connie Lambeth

New Middle Eastern themed menu launched recently at Melbourne’s Trunk Restaurant & Bar…

Trunk

275 Exhibition Street, Melbourne

The new Middle Eastern themed menu at Melbourne’s Trunk Restaurant and Bar is going down a treat with Melbourne food lovers, with founding owner, Nick Kutcher, predicting this ancient cuisine as about to have a renaissance.

“It’s clear Middle Eastern food is picking up momentum in 2017. International chef, Yotam Ottolenghi, visited Australia this year, and there was a lot of interest around his use of Middle Eastern flavours – it really pushed the cuisine into the spotlight. Places like Tulum are further putting the spotlight on Middle Eastern food.”

“Modern day Middle Eastern food is inspired by so many different countries – it’s incredibly diverse and many people might not realise this. Morocco, Jordan, Egypt, Turkey, Lebanon, Iran, and Israel, all play a part in the kaleidoscope of flavours found in Middle Eastern food.”

“It’s been a fascinating cuisine to explore at Trunk Restaurant and Bar. The colourful Persian jewelled rice, served with pistachio crusted chicken is such a pretty dish; it’s definitely one of my favourite additions,” said Kutcher.

Other highlights from the Middle Eastern menu include tuna tartare with sashimi grade tuna, burghul, pomegranate, taramasalata, quail egg, and crisps; Bastilla with confit duck, dates, walnuts, cinnamon, radicchio and beetroot salad; and char grilled octopus with merguez, smoked paprika, potatoes, peppers and walnuts.

For dessert, try the highly Instragrammable Arabian Pavlova, a rosewater meringue piled high with pistachio semifreddo, halva, Turkish delight, and berries.

For a more casual offering, Trunk Diner – located adjacent to Trunk Restaurant – serves American-style breakfast, lunch, dinner, and drinks 7 days a week from a stand-alone kitchen and bar. Trunk Diner seats 60.

And it’s not all about the food; guests from the restaurant, bar and diner spill out into the CBD’s biggest outdoor beer garden – Trunk Beer Garden – with 14 tap beers, 30 speciality cocktails, and more than 100 different wines on offer.

Kick off the night with an indulgent Espresso Martini, with 5 creations, including the Ferrero Rocher (Frangelico, Wyborowa vodka, cold-drip coffee, choc-hazelnut wafer, chocolate floss) and the Salted Caramel, (house-infused caramel vodka, Kahlua, caramel, cold-drip coffee, chocolate pretzel rim). For a Middle Eastern twist, try the Rose Martini (Melbourne Gin Company gin, grapefruit, lemon, eau de rose, and pistachio crumb).

A private dining option is also available at Trunk’s Rintel Room – an intimate event space hosting up to 60 guests. The Restaurant and Bar, Diner, Beer Garden, or the entire venue can be reserved for events.

Restaurant and Bar: Open every day 12.00pm until late

Trunk Diner and Trunk Beer Garden: Open weekdays 7.30am until late; Weekends 8.00am until late

Trunk

Ph: 03 9663 7994

E: info@trunktown.com.au

W: www.trunktown.com.au

Instagram @trunktown

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Information & Images Courtesy of Trunk/Kate & Co – Hayley Edwards

Connie Lambeth – The Australia Times Gourmet News – Food/Wine/Events/Hospitality

Follow us on Instagram @tatgourmetmag

Read on to check out the back story of Trunk…

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