West Deptford's Andrew Zappley falls short on 'MasterChef Junior'

Andrew Zappley, the exuberant young chef from West Deptford, fell just short in his quest for the title of MasterChef Junior on Tuesday night's season finale of the cooking show of the same name.

Andrew, a seventh grader at Holy Trinity Regional School in Westville, watched the episode with teachers, classmates, and parents in Holy Trinity's gym.

"There isn't anyone who wanted that prize more than Andrew," his father, Phillip, told the crowd.

After the results were announced, Phillip Zappley and principal Elsie Tedeski presented Andrew with an award from the school, along with a framed collage of news clippings tracking his progress through the competition.

During a question-and-answer session with students in the gym, the 12-year-old chef talked about the mixed feelings that came with being the runner-up.

"I was upset, but I was so proud, you know?" Andrew said. "Everything that I did was amazing."

The school held viewing parties as the competition aired, with Andrew cooking for those in attendance and providing his own colorful bits of commentary to friends after each episode.

Tuesday's finale pitted the outspoken Andrew against Nathan, from California, the eventual winner. (Only first names are used on the show.) In the episode, the two young chefs executed their three-course menus for judges Gordon Ramsay, Joe Bastianich, and Graham Elliot while cooking back-to-back in a small work space.

Both received praise from the judges, with each having one dish criticized and two praised.

Nathan opted for classic French-inspired cooking, making a roasted fennel gratin appetizer, herb-encrusted lamp chops, and an Earl Grey tea tart for dessert.

Andrew went for an Italian bistro-inspired menu, with an appetizer of herbed ricotta and beets, beef cheek ravioli for the entrée, and a ricotta dessert.

Their family members and eliminated competitors cheered them on from the balconies as the two cooked until the last minutes.

Andrew stood out throughout the competition for his personality, while Nathan quietly rose through the ranks. As the final battle began, Andrew said he anticipated winning because of the passion and heart he put into his cooking, while Nathan said his technique would bring him the victory. For his efforts, he won a trophy and $100,000.

Tedeski said that she was proud of Andrew for having shown his talents and that he represented the school well on the show. She said she had been floored by the public support of Andrew over the last few weeks.

"I'm just amazed by how many people outside the school community are interested," Tedeski said.

She said she anticipated that the show, broadcast on Fox, would open up a multitude of opportunities for Andrew - whether being on television again, working in restaurants, or going to culinary school.

Andrew's parents said remaining silent about the outcome of the competition - which they have known for nearly a year, since the taping of the last segment - had proved difficult for the 12-year-old.

His mother, Karen, said the show's end was bittersweet. She said the show had inspired her son to go to culinary school.

"We're saving to try to make his dreams come true," Karen Zappley said.