Say the word "ostrich," and what thoughts spring to mind? A big, goofy bird with a long neck and gangly legs. Likes to run. Small head. Big eggs.

How about tasty burgers? Healthy eats? A good source of protein that's 98 percent fat free?

Didn't associate those sentiments with the more Discovery Channel images of the noble and succulent ostrich, huh?

Maybe it's time you started.

To those in the know, ostrich meat is quickly becoming a mealtime favorite, offering all the taste and downright mouth-watering goodness of beef hamburgers without delivering gobs of grease and fat directly to one's waistline.

Arguably the best half-pound of finely cooked ostrich meat in this stretch of the Appalachians is to be found at Fuddruckers in Salem's Lakeside Plaza for a wee fee of $5.49 plus tax. Sides of french fries and onion rings range between $1.77 and $2.99.

Served up hot and sizzling right off the grill, Fudd's ostrich burger comes in a pristine state, awaiting the diner's choice of condiments and veggies at the topping bar, where you can add lettuce, tomato, onions, pickles or even mayo and gobs of hot cheese (negating, of course, the benefits of the meat's 98 percent fat freeness).

One culinary caveat: Because ostrich meat is so very lean, it can tend just a bit to the dry side when cooked, so give serious thought to moving down a notch on the "well done" meter.

You can order carryout for no additional cost or eat in and soak up the not-quite-as-cool-as-Macado's collection of old toys, knickknacks and celebrity photos that serve as decor in the big old barn of a restaurant.

If you're feeling particularly saucy, ask for the Elvis booth and eat your ostrich surrounded by 44 pictures of the King.

What we had: What else? The half-pound ostrich burger with mustard. $5.49