30 Dollar Dinner Party

Watch 30 Dollar Dinner Party

  • 2018
  • 1 Season

30 Dollar Dinner Party is a culinary adventure that explores the art of cooking delicious meals on a budget. Hosted by Lee Kalpakis, a self-taught chef and seasoned home cook, each episode takes viewers on a journey through different neighborhoods in New York City in search of affordable ingredients and unique flavors.

The show's premise is simple: Lee is tasked with creating a three-course meal that costs no more than $30 for a group of friends. Armed with her creativity, passion for food, and a limited budget, Lee takes on this culinary challenge with gusto, walking viewers through each step of the cooking process, from gathering ingredients to plating the finished dish.

What sets 30 Dollar Dinner Party apart from other cooking shows is Lee's infectious enthusiasm for cooking and her infectious personality. This down-to-earth chef is not afraid to make mistakes and embrace the unexpected; in fact, her improvisational skills are part of what makes the show so dynamic and fun to watch. Lee is always ready to pivot and adjust her cooking strategy based on whatever ingredients she has on hand or whatever flavor combination she feels inspired to try.

In each episode, viewers are treated to a behind-the-scenes look at how Lee cooks, as well as a glimpse into her life as a New Yorker. Along the way, Lee also shares her tips and tricks for cooking on a budget, demonstrating how simple, delicious meals can be made with a few key ingredients and some creativity.

Another highlight of the show is the guests who join Lee for each dinner party. From artists and musicians to entrepreneurs and creatives, each episode features a diverse group of individuals who share a common love of good food and good company. As they dine together, they engage in lively conversation about everything from their favorite restaurants in the city to their latest creative projects.

But perhaps the most satisfying part of the show is seeing the finished product: three mouth-watering courses that look and taste like they came from a fancy restaurant, all made on a shoestring budget. From savory dishes like spicy pork and shrimp dumplings to sweet treats like panna cotta with fresh berries, viewers are sure to be inspired to try these recipes at home.

Overall, 30 Dollar Dinner Party is a refreshing take on cooking shows, one that celebrates the joy of cooking and the power of food to bring people together. With Lee Kalpakis as our guide, viewers are invited to take a culinary journey through New York City, one delicious meal at a time.

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Seasons
Homemade Chicken Satay and Summer Rolls
10. Homemade Chicken Satay and Summer Rolls
June 14, 2018
We're joined by Chef Justin Warner in helping our guest Ben surprise his friends with a delicious Thai cuisine focused menu that includes pad see ew, chicken satay, summer rolls with a peanut dipping sauce and for dessert a delicious peanut cookie.
Healthy BBQ Chicken and Collard Greens
9. Healthy BBQ Chicken and Collard Greens
June 14, 2018
You don't have to break the bank to throw a dinner party for you and your friends, but sometimes dietary restrictions can get in the way. On this episode of $30 Dinner Party, Lee helps our guest create a deliciously healthy spread that has no caffeine, sugar, dairy, or wheat. Get ready to throw an incredible dinner party that consists of BBQ chicken, collard greens, and yes, banana pudding.
Pasta with Mussels & Sangria Cocktails
8. Pasta with Mussels & Sangria Cocktails
June 14, 2018
Lee helps our guest throw an astounding dinner party so she can live up to her "hostess with the mostest" status. In order to do that, they're going to have to go big or go home -- we're talking cooking a pasta dish with mussels and making our own sweet sangria cocktails.
Homemade Gumbo Recipe and Shandy Cocktails
7. Homemade Gumbo Recipe and Shandy Cocktails
June 14, 2018
Dinner parties don't have to break the bank to be spectacular and filled with delicious food and drink. In fact, our host Lee can help you throw a killer dinner party for under $30. On the premiere episode of $30 Dinner Party, Lee helps our guest throw an unforgettable dinner party filled with homemade gumbo and shandy cocktails and also gets to the bottom of the age-old question: Is soup a meal?
Homemade Brunch Menu for Dinner
6. Homemade Brunch Menu for Dinner
June 14, 2018
Rather sleep than cook? Well, meet Ann. A filmmaker whose idea of dinner consists of eggs and basically anything breakfast. On this episode of $30 Dinner Party, we're joined by Alison Roman, Author of Dining In, to helping our guest Ann surprise her film crew with a delicious Brunch themed menu or shall we say, "brinner".
Homemade Tapas and Tortilla Espanola
5. Homemade Tapas and Tortilla Espanola
June 14, 2018
We're headed to Park Slope in Brooklyn to meet Zaneta, a teaching fellow and student, who has lived abroad in Spain in the past. She is looking to throw a dinner party for her friends that's as budget conscious as it is worldly.
The Meatball Shop's Italian Themed Dinner
4. The Meatball Shop's Italian Themed Dinner
June 14, 2018
Thrillist partnered up with Daniel Holzman, chef and co-founder of The Meatball Shop, and The Project Foodie app to come up with the ultimate Italian themed menu. Watch Lee and Daniel make delicious Homemade Italian Sausage and Pepper Sliders on Garlic Bread, Orecchiette with Fresh Mint, Peas, and Ricotta, and a Daniel Holzman inspired Banana Hazelnut Spread French Toast Dessert.
Homemade Pork Tacos and Refried Beans
3. Homemade Pork Tacos and Refried Beans
June 14, 2018
Tacos can bring any group of friends together, right? Will has just recently moved to New York City from Australia and is struggling to make friends with his new roommates. Lee helps our guest Will try and win over his mates with a pork taco focused menu, paired with refried beans, a homemade slaw, and a beer-infused punch that will leave them asking him to cook every night. Taco 'bout a party!
Homemade London Broil and Vodka Mint Cocktails
2. Homemade London Broil and Vodka Mint Cocktails
June 14, 2018
Our guest wants to save a couple bucks so he can travel, but he still wants to be able to throw a killer dinner party for his friends. That's where Lee comes in; she's going to create a stellar spread for him that consists of a tender steak, mashed potatoes, a yogurt-topped wedge salad, and of course vodka, mint coolers. All of this for under $30? Nailed it.
Homemade Eggplant Curry, Lentils and Naan
1. Homemade Eggplant Curry, Lentils and Naan
June 14, 2018
Having a busy schedule can definitely get in the way of finding time to make a fabulous dinner. On this episode of $30 Dinner Party, Lee helps our guest, Dania, surprise her friends with a delicious vegetarian Indian cuisine-focused menu that will leave her friends shocked and amazed.
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  • Premiere Date
    June 14, 2018