Before arriving at Cordúa, Watkins, 32, was Beverage Director at the Azuma Group from 2010-12. He oversaw the cocktail menus, wine lists, well programs and spirits at Azuma’s five restaurants in the Greater Houston area, including Soma Sushi and Kata Robata Sushi + Grill. From 2007-10, Watkins worked at Vic & Anthony’s Steakhouse and Brenner’s on the Bayou, starting off as Sommelier before moving into management. He passed the Advanced Sommelier exam through the Court of Master Sommeliers in July of 2014.