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Mar Menor caldero burger divides opinion at Murcia's FBI restaurant
Chef Fran Guerrero's prawn and rice creation sparks 'masterpiece or abomination' debate
Have you heard about the latest burger causing a buzz in Murcia? At FBI (Freak Burger International) restaurant, chef Fran Guerrero has taken his bold reinvention of the classic American sandwich to new heights with the 'SOS Mar Menor'.Nestled in a chipotle-flavoured brioche bun, you will find prawn and shrimp fillet, parsley aioli, lemon zest, American sauce and, wait for it, creamy rice from the famous Mar Menor caldero (that rich fish stew more at home on a Spanish Sunday table). It is priced at €20, wine pairing included.
Fran has run FBI for 13 years, constantly pushing boundaries with local twists on burgers. "It is a tribute to the star dish of the regional coast that combines Murcian tradition and culture," he explains. The rice not only adds creaminess and bite but also the crunch you need, cooked al dente. Without cheese, the American sauce and rice give it body too. "You can't imagine how much I racked my brain to achieve the final result," Fran admits.
Social media is split. One Instagram user, Pablo Sánchez, called it "masterpiece or abomination?" alongside cries to #savetheburger. Yet fans rally round, including Pedro Rivera, the lawyer and former Murcia Public Works Minister. "
The burger is a tribute to the Region's gastronomy and the Mar Menor," he says. "FBI's proposal is made with top-quality ingredients, and when you taste it, it leaves you with the unique and unmistakable flavour of one of the star dishes of our land."
Fran is no stranger to controversy. He once did an Asian coffee burger with ribeye, balanced by feta cream. "I'm not a big fan of the sweet and salty contrast," he notes, preferring this fishy take.
He champions local produce like Murcian pork and sea bass, even at the Spanish Burger Championship. "My focus as a chef has always been to proudly represent the Region of Murcia," he says. "Before being a burger chef, I was a cook my whole life."
The creativity does not stop. March's 'La Prohibida' nods to Planet of the Apes with smoky ribeye. Fran's philosophy? Healthier burgers, local ingredients and fun innovation to stand out. People are pleasantly surprised, even if some find it intense. If you are nearby, why not pop in to FBI and decide for yourself? Masterpiece or brave experiment?
Images: Digital representation
