Best of 2003: Best Introduction To Ostrich

Classic Malt Shop
3615 Midway Drive, Sports Arena
619-226-1600

"Fifteen years ago," says ostrich farmer David Stebb, "we thought ostrich was going to take off as the new red meat. Ostrich meat is identical in structure to beef, but a serving of it has less fat than a serving of trout." But ostrich never became the health-food craze Stebb hoped it would. None of the handful of San Diego ostrich ranchers sell directly to the public. So, for those who wish to try it, Stebb recommends Classic Malt Shop, which serves ostrich burgers. At $5.25 (with yummy wedge fries), you'll find the meat to be nearly identical to beef, though a little drier, as it contains only three grams of fat, compared to 28 in a beef burger.