At the grand opening of Sandia Resort & Casino’s new Sportsbook—an innovative venue that combines dining, sports betting, game coverage, and entertainment— guests are welcomed with the warmth of New Mexico hospitality. The event featured a culinary showcase curated by Chef de Cuisine Sean Staggs of the resort’s fine dining restaurant, Bien Shur. Known for blending local flavors with refined techniques honed over years of experience, Chef Sean brought his distinctive touch to the menu. Hosted in a lively, cocktail-style setting, the grand opening allowed attendees, including professional athletes like Brian Urlacher and Notah Begay III, to savor Chef Sean’s unique creations. Known for his inventive dishes and fresh perspective, Chef Sean’s approach combines high-end technique and local flavors, making Bien Shur a standout in Albuquerque’s dining scene.
Chef Sean Staggs’ Culinary Background and Philosophy
Chef Sean’s culinary journey is marked by a commitment to innovation and mastery of diverse techniques. Early in his career, he trained at Chicago’s legendary Moto Restaurant, a hotspot for molecular gastronomy that pioneered the fusion of science and fine dining. Moto Restaurant introduced Chef Sean to the science of flavor transformation, using techniques like liquid nitrogen and edible paper to create playful and memorable dishes. As a result of his training, Chef Sean loves bringing elements of molecular gastronomy into Bien Shur as special features, explaining, “it [molecular gastronomy] really needs to not be used at the forefront, but something to accomplish these dishes versus just making that the standard.” Chef Sean says he loves to surprise guests with the unexpected amidst familiar flavors by having a creative take on traditional dishes.
An Albuquerque native, after time as a private chef in Arkansas and Colorado and working in exclusive destinations like Alaska, he returned to Albuquerque, motivated to contribute to the local culinary scene. At Bien Shur, Chef Sean celebrates New Mexico’s culinary heritage while pushing boundaries.
A Premiere Albuquerque Dining Experience at Bien Shur
Chef Sean’s focus at Bien Shur is on reimagining classic dishes through seasonal ingredients and creative presentation. “I love to always be creative. So I’m always changing the menu,” he shared. Each dish is crafted to reflect a balance of flavors and a hint of surprise, from the visually stunning short rib pot pie with puff pastry to the expertly prepared Japanese Wagyu, served as a memorable dining experience.
Bien Shur’s breathtaking rooftop setting and fine dining atmosphere are ideal for special occasions or a night out. The farm-to-table philosophy is a foundational aspect of the menu, Chef Sean curates a menu emphasizing locally sourced ingredients often from Sandia Pueblo’s farm, reinforcing his commitment to quality and sustainability. He creatively adjusts the menu to match ingredient availability, relying on seasonal ingredients without compromising quality. With its rooftop views and focus on locally inspired cuisine, Bien Shur is deeply rooted in local culture but elevated in presentation and technique, making it a unique dining destination in Albuquerque.
Mentorship and Giving Back to the Community
Through mentorship and involvement in local nonprofits, including the Rio Grande Agricultural Land and Trust, the 505 Food Fights, and Kitchen Kids, Inc., Chef Sean seeks to inspire and guide emerging chefs to follow their dreams and overcome the challenges of the culinary industry. His mentorship emphasizes resilience and creativity, qualities he believes are essential for success in the culinary world. “Keep your head up. You’re going to make mistakes over and over again. And that’s the best part of it. Making those mistakes. You learn how to not make those, how to do things the right way. Just keep your head up. It’s a hard, hard industry. You’ve got to have a thick skin.” he advises.
For Chef Sean, mentorship is a way to give back to the industry that shaped him. He finds inspiration in culinary icons such as Rick Bayless and Jacques Pepin, whom he admires for their straightforward, timeless approach to cooking.
Social Media and the Art of Staying Authentic
In today’s digital age, social media has become a powerful tool for chefs. While Chef Sean maintains a presence online, he admits that he’s more focused on substance than style. Rather than chasing trends or aiming to be “Instagrammable,” he uses social media as a digital portfolio, documenting his dishes and drawing inspiration from his past creations. For him, social media is a practical tool to keep track of his evolving menu and revisit previous dishes for new inspiration.
Chef Sean explained that he uses social media as a digital archive for his dishes, saying, “I’m horrible at social media. I’ll post three or four times and then just forget for a week. So, I’m hit and miss on social media, but I use it more for a food platform. For me, my social media is strictly professional. So it’s just all of my dishes. So I can go back and be like, Hey, what did I make here? How can I do this again?” While his beautiful presentations are certainly “Instagram-worthy,” he aims to create food that speaks for itself, ensuring each plate is memorable for more than its visual appeal, combining elegance with the charm of New Mexico’s flavors.
What Diners Can Expect from Bien Shur
Located on the rooftop of Sandia Resort & Casino, Bien Shur offers a fine dining atmosphere with sweeping views of the Sandia Mountains that make every visit memorable. Chef Sean describes the Bien Shur experience in two words: “enjoyment, and different.” He aims to create an atmosphere where guests can relax, savor the flavors, and connect with Albuquerque’s unique culture, saying “We’re about feeding you really, really good food and giving you experience that you’re not going to get anywhere else.” For him, success is not just about feeding people but crafting an experience that stays with them long after leaving the restaurant.
Looking to the Future of Albuquerque’s Culinary Scene
Chef Sean is dedicated to continuously evolving Bien Shur’s offerings, ensuring that every visit brings something new and exciting for guests. Chef Sean sees Bien Shur as bringing a fresh approach to fine dining that combines the traditions of New Mexico with the innovation of global techniques, saying he aims to give every guest “the excitement of having something that is so unique and different and that you can’t get anywhere else.” Whether experimenting with new techniques or curating fresh seasonal menus, his passion for culinary innovation guarantees that the dining experience remains dynamic and unforgettable. “You’re coming to get good ingredients, you know, really take the time to enjoy,” says Chef Sean.
As Albuquerque’s foodie culture continues to grow, Chef Sean is optimistic about the future and excited to be part of a city that is gaining recognition for its culinary talents. With his dedication to local ingredients, commitment to creativity, and unwavering focus on quality, Chef Sean Staggs and Bien Shur are set to make an enduring impact on New Mexico’s dining scene.
In the words of Chef Sean, Bien Shur is a place where guests can expect not just to be fed but to experience the joy of truly great food. For those looking to experience Albuquerque’s culinary evolution firsthand, a visit to Bien Shur promises a taste of what makes this region—and Chef Sean’s cooking—so special.
Dine today at www.sandiacasino.com
