People sit around all the time and talk about the things they would like to do. Travel, play sports and participate in many different activities. As a kid, I remember watching my brother prepare for a boy scout camping trip and all I could think about was being able to go with him. Of course he told me, No! I sat disappointed in our dining room and as he left, I thought to myself, one day I would go camping and no one would be able to tell me no. Well 52 years later, the opportunity presented itself. I was watching some youtube videos and came across one which I totally follow now called Fisherman’s Life. The smart young guy who produces the video not only fishes but showcases lots of camping gear. It took me back to my youth and my dreams to go camping with anyone who would take me seriously. You guys know that person is my partner in crime and fellow madfoodie Eric! I thought about the situation and knew that even he would need a bit of coaxing to open up to something neither of us had done before.

What does a girl do? She uses all of her favorite tools. Youtube for research; Amazon for access to all equipment and her zero balance Visa credit card.

Once Eric said yes, ( He really had no choice, I had everything we needed from Camping cookware, Outdoor Camping Knife Set, Coffee pots and cups, Camping lanterns, Sleeping bags, a Coleman Tent and a propane stove. I went on the google and took care of the Campground Fee and the parking expense. By golly we were ready to go C-A-M-P-I-N-G!!!

Cooking of delicious food made our overnight camping trip so much fun. The 28 degree temperatures that evening were the only thing that made the trip a bit trying. But I would do it again in a heartbeat! Camping as a Madfoodie is truly the way to go!

Turqoise’s Birthday at Sugar Factory was a blast!

My niece Turquoise has the best taste in entertainment, food and fun so having her birthday at the Sugar Factory was truly icing on on the cake. The Sugar Factor is a treat for all guest. This wonderful restaurant offers a one-of-a-kind delectable dining experience serving decadent tasty fare to all customers looking for that extra special treat. Sugar Factory also caters to adults offering beverages made with premium spirits which includes the restaurants signature 36-ounce alcohol-infused Smoking Candy Goblets. There are also non-alcoholic versions available for kids.

Juicy, Tangy, Tasty Buffalo Barbeque Wings

Madfoodies Lolo Arnold and Eric Arnold having fun at Sugar Factory

According to Google, the definition of Soulmate is, “Someone that just gets you. It’s a connection of minds, a mutual respect, an unconditional love and a total understanding. It’s about being yourself and knowing, not only that person is following and understanding your thoughts, but is right there with you, side by side.” On this ten year anniversary, I truly understood and agreed with this statement. Eric and I have known one another for twenty years. We decided to make our journey official in October 2009 when we both said the words, “I DO”. Our trips, vacations and excursions off the beaten path have shown me the meaning of sharing your life with someone who is willing to try new things. We may be different people, but we are willing to open our eyes to the experiences that life has for both of us. On our Southeast trip, my Madfoodie partner did his best to surprise me everyday with something new. Please check out our Anniversary Dinner.

My sweet Madfoodie Husband took me to Charleston Grill for our Anniversary dinner.

Nothing like dinner by Candlelight!

Our Anniversary Menu

Heirloom Tomato Salad – Whipped Feta, Olives, Capers, Red Wine Vinaigrette

Charleston Grill Crab Cake made with Creek Shrimp, Tomatoes, Lime-Dill Vinaigrette

Sea Scallops- Huitlacoche, Corn Puree’, Cilantro Pistou, Chanterelles

SQUAB – Black Truffle, Roasted Shallots, Bacon, Haricot Verts

Prime Beef Tenderloin- Bearnaise Sauce, Asparagus Spears, with a Red Wine Reduction

Black Chocolate Pudding Cake- Butterscotch Custard, Espresso Ice Cream, Dehydrated Chocolate Mousse, Chocolate Paper

Key Lime Cheesecake- Coconut Graham Cracker Crust, Grilled Pineapple, Key Lime Curd, Toasted Meringue

Charleston Grill’s personal touch on a wonderful Anniversary Dinner

We enjoyed this sparkling Wine with our Dinner that went great with everything from the appetizer to the dessert!

Our Ten Year Anniversary….

Lolo and Eric have been on many adventures and our 10th anniversary was no different. Visiting family in North Charleston, Eric set up a lunch date for himself, Lolo and two family honorary madfoodies, Eunice & Anthony. Eric’s sister, Eunice, gave them a recommendation to tryout a restaurant named Nigel’s Good Food, specializing in what is called Low country or Gullah Geechee cuisine. To the millions of people in America, it is just called Soul Food. Trust what I say, lots of people put the label ‘soul food’ on different types of dishes, but they really have no ideal of what they are talking about.

Nigel’s Good Food showed us that they definitely know what Soul Food is. And their Soul Food is truly GOOD FOOD! Please take a look at what we tasted and savored that day.

The taste of the wonderful, Low Country Food at Nigel’s Good Food gave us a warm, homey feel in our souls and we the madfoodies can not wait to return.

Many neighborhoods have small restaurants that folks living in the vicinity can pick up a quick meal or a small bite to eat. The Madfoodies found such a place while visiting Bloomfield, New Jersey. But this diner had something with a little more panache The restaurant is called, “The Corner”. Don’t let the name fool you; it’s more than your usual Mom and Pop place to check out on a Friday night. The Corner has delights that will make your eyes dance like Sugar Plum Fairies and your mouth water non-stop. The following pictures are our compelling evidence and we had to showcase them on Madfoodiechronicles.com.

Rosemary Shoestring French Fries

Smoked Salmon on Toast with Avocado and Poached Eggs

Mixed Greens with Watermelon Radish, Carrots, Sprouts and Sherry Vinaigrette

Mouth Watering Toast Sampler – Avocado Toast – Prosciutto & Ricotta Toast – Organic Chicken Liver Toast

Savory House cured thick cut bacon

Eric & Lolo with another honorary Madfoodie

When it comes to food the mission is never impossible unless you are the Madfoodies and you are checking out the Impossible Burger at Bareburger. During a visit to Bloomfield, New Jersey. The Madfoodies were given a mission and they decided to accept it.

The Impossible Burger with Bacon. Oink and veggie. The best of both worlds.

Build your own burger and Fries. The fries were the BOMB!

The Blazing Bison Burger

Lolo Arnold and a Madfoodie honorary buddy go to an off broadway show after Bareburger.

The Madfoodies visit the Big Apple and get school about the city that never sleeps. The selections of food are too numerous to counts! So as only the Madfoodies can do, they will show you pics of everything edible they encountered.

The World Trade Center Station

Our first stop after getting off the World Trade Center was Bann Modern Korean Cuisine. Bann shows us, every plate does it’s best to achieve elusive, cuisine-defining balance of traditional and modern Korean cooking. Bann uses the finest ingredients prepared with the most diverse cooking techniques; presenting authentic flavors that delight the most discerning palate in approachable and creative ways. 

JAP Chaewok Stir Fried Glass Noodles with assorted vegetables, soy and sesame (vegetarian or beef).

Ssam Buns steamed buns with pickled shredded daikon and sweet soy (pork belly, beef bulgogi, chicken)

The succulent fresh meat and veggie roasting on the grill.

Steak, Chicken with Rice wrapped in tasty Bibb lettuce.

Bann’s warm inviting decor.

The Madfoodies after a delicious meal.

Lolo and Eric had a wonderful day in Malibu, California. It was a beautiful day with a comfortable temperature of 89 degrees and the coastal water was a balmy 79 degrees, which anyone knows is wonderful for the west coast.

The Paradise Cove Cafe Restaurant we visited that day was a lovely seafood venue that had ocean delights we could only describe as a foodies treasure.

Eric and Lolo’s lunch. Paradise Cove’s take on Fish Tacos!

Eric’s ICED Seafood Sampler Huge and Meant to be Shared

This was the end of a great afternoon.