Results of 16 Cook of the Week Challenge contestants
Jamie Andrade, 26, Elk Grove Village
Export logistics agent
Challenge outcome: Faced TerrieAnn Jones in Round 1 with Root Beer-Glazed Round Steak Braciole with Roasted Red Potatoes in a Root Beer-Tomato Sauce. Moved to Round 2 where her Spaghetti with Sauteed Canadian Bacon in a Grapefruit White Sauce lost to Michael Lalagos.
Cate Brusenbach, 54, Antioch
Managing director
Challenge outcome: Owned Round 1 against Donna Robertelli with Turkey Rondell with Quinoa and Walnut Pesto. Her Pan-Seared Asian Halibut over Zucchini, Carrot and Ramen Confetti with Lemon-Rosemary Creme bested Oscar Menoyo in Round 2. Headed into the finals where her Pork Tenderloin Rondele with Carrot Ginger Puree took second place.
Mark Clemens, 58, Elgin
Sales manager
Challenge outcome: Fomer Cook of the Week's Barbecue Polenta Lasagna With Brussels Sprouts handily won Round 1 where he faced Glenn Sasveld. Victorious in Round 2 with a solid Citrus Seasoned Grilled Salmon with Pumpkin Seed Mole and Sweet Corn Salsa that beat Antonio De Pau. Cooked Cranberry Compote Stuffed Pork Tenderloin with Savory Couscous in the finals.
Bob Conidi, 49, Itasca
Retired printer
Challenge outcome: Faced Penny Kazmier in Round 1 where his seasonally appealing Late Summer Evening Pizza was narrowly defeated.
Jay Deihs, 46, Arlington Heights
Banker
Challenge outcome: Faced Mary Beth Riley in Round 1 with his well-conceived Mini-Chorizo Egg Rolls with Avocado and Chipotle Dips
Antonio De Pau, 53, Palatine
Sales
Challenge outcome: Former Cook of the Week took Round 1 with Italian-inspired Fish & Fruity Cuban Sofrito Gnocchi with Tuna Meatballs and Mango Sauce versus Judy Monaco. Went into Round 2 with Citrus Salmon with Truffle-perfumed Rice and Stir-fried Veggies with Roasted Pumpkin Seeds and lost to Mark Clemens.
Diane Hagopian, 71, Gurnee
Homemaker
Challenge outcome: Former Cook of the Week faced Oscar Menoyo in Round 1 with her approachable Surprise Lettuce Wraps
TerrieAnn Jones, 42, Palatine
Homemaker
Challenge outcome: Former Cook of the Week put her family-friendly Smothered Round Steak with Parsnip Puree up against Jamie Andrade in Round 1.
Penny Kazmier, 47, South Barrington
Homemaker
Challenge outcome: Former Cook of the Week's sweet potato egg noodles pushed her Halushki-style Polish Sausage with Grilled Plum, Blue Cheese and Arugula Salad past Bob Conidi in Round 1. Won Round 2 against Mary Beth Riley with Apple and Cheese-crusted Vanilla Pork Chops with Roasted Beet and Cheese Stacks with Chive Oil. Claimed victory in the finals with her Stuffed Pork Tenderloin with Root Beer Adobo Glaze, Sweet Potato Hash and Cranberry Chutney
Michael Lalagos, 32, Schaumburg
Graphic designer
Challenge outcome: Faced Ann Marie Nordy in Round 1 where his well-executed Macadamia Crusted Tilapia with Mango-Cherry Salsa and Black-eyed Pea, Brown Rice and Butternut Squash Salad emerged victorious. Round 2's Oatmeal Breaded Pork Chops Stuffed with Canadian Bacon and Goat Cheese with Grapefruit Reduction beat Jamie Andrade. Prepared Orange-Chipotle Glazed Pork Tenderloin on a Bed of Sweet Potato Puree with Hazelnuts and Cranberry Chutney in the finals
Oscar Menoyo, 56, Hoffman Estates
Sales
Contest outcome: Faced Diane Hagopian in Round 1 with his Barbecue Kung Pao Chicken Thighs with Kohlrabi-Apple Slaw and Split Pea Dahl. Fell to Cate Brushenbach in Round 2 with his Lemon Glazed Halibut with Ramen Provencal.
Judy Monaco, 67, Glendale Heights
Retired
Challenge outcome: Faced Antonio De Pau in Round 1 and lost with her Cuban Tuna with Yellow Rice, Mustard-Butter Biscuits and Mango-Avocado Salad.
Ann Marie Nordby, 43, Arlington Heights
Actor
Challenge outcome: Former Cook of the Week faced Michael Lalagos in Round 1 but her Tilapia with Cherry Sage Red Wine Reduction, Cherry Pecan Rice and Butternut Squash Soup fell just short.
Mary Beth Riley, 50, Elk Grove Village
Homemaker
Challenge outcome: Former Cook of the Week impressed in Round 1 with her Pan-Fried Chorizo Ravioli with Creamy Spinach Pesto to beat Jay Deihs. Round 2's Octoberfest Pork Chops with Ricotta Spaetzle and Bavarian Roasted Beet Salad came up short against Penny Kazmier.
Ÿ Over-all fan favorite
Donna Robertelli, 47, Bloomingdale
Seamstress/florist
Challenge outcome: Round 1's dinner-party worthy Walnut-Parmesan Encrusted Turkey Breast Over Quinoa Fig Pilaf lost to Cate Brusenbach.
Glenn Sasveld, 57, Naperville
Sales manager
Challenge outcome: Garnered praise for his BBQ Meat Loaf and inventive Polenta Fries and Brussels Sprout Salad with Spicy Dressing but still lost to Mark Clemens