Cordelia chef Vinnie Cimino, an Akron native, is a finalist for James Beard award

It's official.

A chef who grew up in Akron's Ellet neighborhood is officially a James Beard Award finalist for best chef in the Great Lakes region.

The list of chefs still in contention for the awards were announced this week.

Vinnie Cimino credits big family meals and learning to how to cook from his grandparents for landing one of the highest honors for chefs.

He also credits learning the ropes of the restaurant business at his paternal grandparents' restaurant, the former Bellie's Deli that was in Kent.

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Cimino, who lives in Akron's Highland Square, leads the popular Cordelia restaurant in Cleveland with partner Andrew Watts.

Cordelia is located in the space where chef Michael Symon's Lola Bistro formerly was on East 4th Street.

He is one of five chefs up for the top chef honors in the Great Lakes region including chef Jose Salazar from Mita's in Cincinnati.

Finalists in 22 categories will attend the James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards ceremony June 10 in Chicago where the winners will be announced.

Reporter Kerry Clawson contributed to this report.