Meet the Cook of the Week Challenge 2012 judges

Spencer Wolff: As the new executive chef at the Hyatt Regency Schaumburg, Spencer Wolff oversees banquets big and small and plans the seasonally inspired menu at the hotel's restaurant, Fresh 1800. Wolff earned a degree in architecture from Southern Illinois University Carbondale and worked as an architect for almost a decade before turning his attention to culinary pursuits. He graduated from the Cooking and Hospitality Institute of Chicago and was an instructor with Le Cordon Bleu before moving into kitchens in Washington DC, St. Louis, Rhode Island and Florida.

Suzy Singh: Since her time ended in the Top 4 position on season 2 of Fox's “MasterChef,” Buffalo Grove native Suzy Singh has not slowed down. The chef has consulted with more than 30 restaurants in Chicago and started the first Collaborative Indian food truck, Suzy Samosas, that docks in and around Chicago's Loop (maybe you spotted her tent at Lollapalooza). She is also the culinary director of Ashyana, Shikara and Viceroy Restaurants/Catering and frequents local media, including WGN, FOX and NBC, as a celebrity guest chef. If that wasn't enough, she's the national spokeswoman for Le Cordon Bleu Culinary School, Grill Dome and Fagor. She recently landed a supporting role in the movie “Promised Land.” You can follow her on Twitter @chefsuzysingh.

Teresa Martell: In her role as marketing manager for Mount Prospect-based Mizkan Americas, Teresa Martell manages the Mizkan family of liquid condiment brands, which include Nakano, Holland House, World Harbors, Angostura aromatic bitters and others.

Her role allows her to work with people who have a passion for food — from culinary professionals to food bloggers to novice home cooks. Martell enjoys finding creative ways to infuse Mizkan's flavors into meals and sharing those recipes with families.

She grew up in Chicago, where she attended DePaul University and earned an MBA from the University of Illinois at Chicago. She currently lives in Chicago with her husband and children.

Tatiyana Piper: Tatiyana Piper studied exercise science, nutrition, human biology and psychology at Carroll University where she earned her bachelor's degree. She found her love of food and cooking at an early age and has been teaching cooking classes at Whole Foods Market Schaumburg for more than two years. Prior to Whole Foods Market, she worked in restaurants along the North Shore.

Piper writes a popular food blog, Savory Stiletto, and also is a featured columnist for Wassup magazine. Her favorite cuisine to cook and eat is Mexican and she thinks you should never be in the kitchen with an empty glass.