Steven Kwan’s fiancee Samantha spotlights chef Vinnie Cimino’s culinary triumph

One of Cleveland Guardians left fielder Steven Kwan and his fiancee Samantha's favorite restaurants is Cordelia in Cleveland, Ohio, headed by Chef Vinnie Cimino, who was honored as among the “Best Chef: Great Lakes” category, which highlights culinary talents across Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Ohio.

Steven Kwan, who proposed to Samantha in Nov., often goes to the restaurant in the city. So when the news about the latest honor for Chef Vinnie Cimino surfaced, they were one of the most excited.

On Wednesday, Samantha shared the news on social media, expressing her admiration and anticipation for a return visit to Cordelia to enjoy Cimino’s creations.

“Congrats to one of our favorites,” she wrote. "I can't wait to get back and eat with ya," tagging Kwan.

Kwan's Instagram story

Her post featured a list of celebrated chefs in the Great Lakes category.

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Steven Kwan and Samantha's go-to restaurant shares praise for Chef Vinnie Cimino

Apart from Steven Kwan and Samantha, the restaurant, Chef Vinnie Cimino serves, Cordelia Food & Spirits, also posted a congratulatory post.

"It’s hard to put into words how excited and PROUD we are of our guy, our Chef: @chefvinniecimino," the post read, which also thanked all stakeholders involved in the business.

"Thank you to our city, The Land, Cleveland Ohio, our incredible team, and every farmer, purveyor, all our friends and collaborators and makers we work with. Without your support, none of the achievements of the last year and a half would be possible. We Love you ALL. We are honored to be listed among fellow friends and talented Ohioans putting our beautiful state on the map."

Cimino's name was part of "The 2024 Restaurant and Chef Awards Semifinalists" in the 2024 James Beard Awards.

Here are all the 20 names nominated:

1. Avishar Barua - Joya's, Worthington, Ohio
2. Erik Bentz and Elaine Uykimpang Bentz - Cafe Mochiko, Cincinnati, Ohio
3. Vinnie Cimino - Cordelia, Cleveland, Ohio
4. Diana Dávila Boldin - Mi Tocaya Antojería, Chicago, Illinois
5. Salvador Fernandez - Bridges Craft Pizza & Wine Bar, Greencastle, Indiana
6. Joe Fontelera - Boonie's Filipino Restaurant, Chicago, Illinois
7. Joe Frillman - Daisies, Chicago, Illinois
8. Jeffery Harris - Nolia Kitchen, Cincinnati, Ohio
9. Doug Hewitt - Freya, Detroit, Michigan
10. Ji Hye Kim - Miss Kim, Ann Arbor, Michigan
11. Dan Klenotic - Bellflower, Ypsilanti, Michigan
12. BJ Lieberman - Chapman's Eat Market, Columbus, Ohio
13. James Martin - Bocadillo Market, Chicago, Illinois
14. Thomas Melvin - Vida, Indianapolis, Indiana
15. Jose Salazar - Mita's, Cincinnati, Ohio
16. Sujan Sarkar - Indienne, Chicago, Illinois
17. Hajime Sato - Sozai, Clawson, Michigan
18. Jenner Tomaska - Esmé, Chicago, Illinois
19. John Yelinek - Ladder 4 Wine Bar, Detroit, Michigan
20. Donald Young - Duck Sel, Chicago, Illinois

Steven Kwan and Samantha will be rooting for Chef Vinnie Cimino and his restaurant to go deep.