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Edible Show-stoppers

Robert Scheer Blue Chips Stock: Moviegoers will find more than film on the menu--including blue-corn tortilla chips--at Camera Cafe. Camera Cafe gets two thumbs up from vegetarians By Judi Blackwell SOME CAFES you visit for the ambiance, some for the food. Camera Cafe you visit for the ambiance. And the food. And if you plan to catch the latest art-house film. Located next to the lobby of downtown San Jose's Camera 3 Cinemas, the Camera Cafe boasts a fun, movie-themed atmosphere along with a small but creative menu that includes sandwiches and salads for the veggie-minded. All three vegetarian sandwiches warrant a visit. But it's the Red ($4.25) that keeps me coming back for more. Loaded with roasted red pepper cream cheese, pesto, mozzarella, spinach and tomatoes, this dish writes a new chapter in the book of sandwiches. Along with a cold beer (Camera Cafe features a small wine and beer list) and a basket of blue-corn chips, the Red makes the perfect lunch-time meal. Although a bit heavy on the carrots, the Elvira Madigan ($4.75) and the Naked Lunch ($4.50) both hold their own. Swiss, cheddar and mozzarella cheeses combine with overflowing sprouts, spinach, tomatoes, grated carrots, mushrooms and sunflower seeds to make the Elvira Madigan another show-stopper. And the Naked Lunch ($4.50) shines with an exuberant amount of avocado, spinach, tomatoes, carrots, mushrooms and sunflower seeds. A pretty affair of very fresh, very tasty spinach leaves, the Greek salad ($5.50) is distinguished further by feta cheese, Greek olives, sun-dried tomatoes and a honey-vinaigrette dressing. Besides the sandwiches and salads, the cafe also offers veggie lasagna and quiche, plus your basic cafe goodies: pastries, desserts, Italian sodas, teas and java. Camera Cafe is located at 288 S. Second St., San Jose, 408/998-0932. Open daily, 11am­10pm. Send tips to Vegging Out at 550 S. First St., San Jose, 95113. [ Metro | Metroactive Central | Archives ]