When Rachael Ray’s $40 Dollars a Day went off the air it wasn’t because they had exhausted the vehicle.  It was because RaRay had launched her day time talk show and magazine.  She simply didn’t have the time to do the show anymore.  I, like many, have lamented the loss of what was one of the most educational food/travel shows ever done.

Well, Captain Hoagie himself Jeff Mauro has brought the concept back only this time the budget has been trimmed to just $24.  Clearly a reflection of the horrible economic conditions of the past three years.  But still the premise is largely the same.  On $24 in 24 the Sandwich King has to find three squares in one day with only $24 to spend.

Here’s the Network’s official description:

Jeff Mauro is taking his passion for food to the streets, searching for the best budget-friendly eats across America. With just $24 he’ll hunt down breakfast, lunch and dinner dishes in only 24 hours.

The show lacked Rachael’s eternal cuteness but otherwise was pretty much the same.  In place of Ray’s perkiness was Jeff’s unique charm and comedic flare.  The pilot episode was shot in his hometown of Chicago which meant Jeff’s research was actually done by him.

I’m sure there will be people who naysay the show simply because it is a reboot of $40 but they are likely just looking for something to whine about.  The reality is that the original show was far from played out, the host just ran out of time.  I for one am glad this format has returned and that my buddy Jeff is at the helm of it.

Here’s a taste: