THE Food Network's popular television show, , airs its Bermuda episode tonight.

Crew from the hit series were on the island in May filming the programme which regularly challenges host Rachael Ray to eat three meals on a $40 budget.

Ms Ray met the challenge with 21 cents to spare ? a muffin with Bermuda honey and organic coffee at Aggie's Caf?, $5; Bermuda fish chowder at Fresco's, $7.79; rum swizzle at Swizzle Inn, $8.05 plus gratuities; chicken masala curry at Hog Penny, $18.95 plus gratuities.

While on the island, Ms Ray told that she chose Bermuda because, as a pricey destination it offered her a challenge.

"I think when people see the show they will be pleasantly surprised," she said. "Eating on a budget in Bermuda is a real story to tell. It's a challenge ? I like to pick expensive places for that reason."

She described Bermuda's pub fare as "lovely and affordable" especially in comparison to the bar food generally found in the United States: "I think anyone would find that eating this way is a very pleasant experience. There's no 'budget' feel about it at all."

As described on The Food Network web site, in tonight's episode: "Rachael visits the beautiful island of Bermuda. Rachael gets busy with a scooter ride around town.

"She heads to Aggie's for breakfast in one of the oldest homes on the island. Next she strolls over to a place she has visited before on her travels here, Frescos. After an afternoon of exploring the amazing coral reefs, Rachael swaggers in to the Swizzle Inn for an exotic Rum Swizzle drink. To top off the day, Rachael visits one of the oldest pubs on the island, Hog Penny."

l The Bermuda episode of airs at 10 p.m. this evening, 2 a.m. Saturday, 7 p.m. October 2 and 1 p.m. October 6. The Food Network may be found on channel 33 on Bermuda Cablevision and channel 312 on WOW.