Evaluation Panel

Michael Cardenas, Owner, Innovative Dining Group

Michael Cardenas was born and raised in Japan and spent his early career as a teppan chef, after graduating from the Benihana Chef School in New Orleans. After working at the Valley’s popular Teru Sushi for two years, he was recruited by Chaya to work in management. Cardenas later joined the Matsuhisa team and was quickly promoted to General Manager. During his five years with Matsuhisa, he was instrumental in the opening of Nobu in New York and London. He left in 1996 to open the first Sushi Roku as General Manager and subsequently became a partner in Innovative Dining Group. Cardenas’ passion for the restaurant business, combined with his extensive knowledge of food, wine and diverse cultures, have greatly benefited IDG. With more than twenty years in the Japanese restaurant industry, he continues to advise and coach managers and chefs and is a recognized authority in the field. Cardenas speaks fluent Japanese and regularly travels to Japan and around the world. He is married and resides in Malibu, California.

David De Candia, Senior Manager Tea / Master Tea Blender, Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf

David De Candia is Senior Manager of Tea and Master Tea Blender for Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf . He is responsible for buying, developing and educating the company’s 850 retail store employees on tea. To that end, he has created company tea training and certification programs. David has been with the Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf for 11 years and is the company’s main source for public relations on tea.

Patrick Main, Quality Manager, Peet’s Coffee & Tea, Inc.

Patrick Main joined Peet’s Coffee and Tea in 1988 as a barista and sales staff person. He quickly moved into training and beverage quality roles, setting brewing and recipe standards for all Peet’s stores. In 1996 he developed Peet’s Freddo™ line of blended beverages. Since then has been involved in the development of every signature beverage served at Peet’s, including several tea beverages such as Peet’s Masala Chai Latte, Tea Freddos, and Iced Tea Coolers. In addition, Patrick helped to develop a premium line of Godiva® Chocolatier flavored coffees, as well as simple and indulgent recipes that home consumers can find at godivacoffee.com.