‘Sandwich King’ Jeff Mauro’s

new challenge: ‘$24 In 24’

Years ago, Rachael Ray famously showed audiences how they could eat delicious food every meal for just $40 a day. Not to be outdone, Jeff Mauro has upped (or downed) the ante, betting he can do the same with just $24.

“$24 in 24,” premiering Monday, Sept. 24, is the “Sandwich King” star’s latest Food Network venture, taking him across the U.S. to dine for a whole day on local goodies for just $24, including tax and tip for three meals and a snack. And Mauro has a certain standard in mind, too. We’re not talking four trips to White Castle.

“It can’t just be a turkey sandwich,” he says. “You can get that anywhere. Or two hot dogs. Instead of going to a pizzeria for a slice of pepperoni pizza, we go for a plate of three meatballs and a huge freshly made arancini smothered in homemade sauce that you can get for $6. It’s just got to be good food.”

Not only that, the people making him the food have to be interesting. Mauro profiles the proprietors of every joint he visits, hops in the kitchen for a demo of some of their dishes and occasionally even helps serve customers.

Stops include New York, Cleveland, Boston, Minneapolis, Philadelphia and Chicago.

Beyond highlighting some tasty treasures, Mauro says the appeal to viewers will lie in seeing if he can pull off his ambitious quest for thrifty foodstuffs.

“It’s almost like a game show,” he says. “‘Can he do it? Will he do it? How much is he going to have left?’ I’ve spent in some cities $23.98. That’s the fun, is getting there.”