Who is going to win at the Oscars? Our picks from Cinema Society of San Diego Director, Andy Friedenberg. Also, TV personality, Fred Saxon dishes on his interviews with the stars. Hair and beauty makeovers and tips. Plus fun cocktail drinks and Cynthia Dial shows wear to buy clothing like the stars. Phoebe Chongchua hosts the Live Fit Magazine Show.

Want to burn off those love handles? We have the solution in this Keep Fit With Phoebe workout segment. No gym, no equipment, just your body and a killer exercise. Nicole Decker with Gut Check Fitness helps us Keep Fit. Watch the video.

I’m a huge fan of the 1981 movie “Arthur,” starring Dudley Moore and Liza Minnelli. What I’m not always crazy about are remakes, which is why I was a little bit skeptical about 2011’s“Arthur,” with Russell Brand and Jennifer Garner, although I do love both of those actors.

What I will say with strong conviction is that the new “Arthur” will not disappoint! Producers had the guts to make it different enough from the first one, that it takes on its own identity, instead of being yet another remake that didn’t quite measure up to the real thing.
The plot is basically the same, carefree, irresponsible, but loveable billionaire Arthur Bach has to marry Susan, a longtime family friend (who he clearly doesn’t love), or his family will cut him off. Here are some of the differences. Susan in the first “Arthur” is sweet, kind and very clueless, (played by Jill Eikenberry, who  was fantastic). The new “Arthur’s” Susan is conniving, manipulative, and extremely unlikable (which I credit to good dialogue and great acting).

Another major difference: in the first “Arthur,” Hobson, Arthur’s butler is a man. In this “Arthur,” she’s a woman, who jokes that she’s Arthur’s nanny.

I think what made this movie so great was the casting. Russell Brand is amazing. This is the first movie I’ve ever seen where he really gets to show off his talent. And he truly is talented. So funny, so loveable and adorable, I found myself cracking up constantly and rooting for him the entire time. On a side note, I felt the exact same way about Dudley Moore.

Then there’s Hobson, (played by Helen Mirren). Can I just say, she was probably the best part of the movie! What an amazing performance!! The relationship between she and Arthur was so darn cute, and I wanted to just keep watching. Another fantastic casting move was putting Nick Nolte in as Arthur’s future father-in-law, Burt Johnson. Hilarious, especially a scene where Arthur is playing with a nail gun and he accidentally hits Burt multiple times, leaving the “tough as nails” guy unfazed. The woman Arthur falls for, Naomi, (played by Greta Gerwig) was also a great choice, and so was Arthur’s butler, Bitterman, (played by Luis Guzman.)

The only thing that lagged a bit for me were the dates with Arthur and Naomi. They were a little drawn out. Then again, who am I kidding? I’m a sucker for a good, romantic scene.

I would highly recommend “Arthur,” an adorable, feel-good, hilarious at times, fun fun movie! And if I had to pick between the first “Arthur” and the second? It’s a tough decision. Here’s an idea. Watch both in one night!

The Super Bowl is wrapped up. So this week Kansas City Chiefs Hall of Famer, Nick Lowery, talks with two of the Phoenix Coyotes, NHL President, Mike Nealy, and nine-year veteran and team announcer, Tyson Nash, about the game, the league taking over the team, and the team’s financial struggles. Also, more on the loss of coach, Wayne Gretzky, and the search for a permanent owner to keep the team in Phoenix.
Interview Coming Soon!

If one were to define romance, it would be bubbly champagne, delectable chocolates, pink hearts and red velvet roses.

But when a loved one’s directive is “send me no flowers,” it just may be time for a seductive escape.  Along those lines, I traveled to the top of the world, the edge of the earth and all corners in between seeking those perfect “Do Not Disturb” getaways. 

Las Ventanas Al Paraiso, Los Cabos, Mexico

First stop: caliente country.  A journey south of the border has an entirely different meaning when the name of one’s final destination translates to “the windows to paradise.”

Designed for those who take their pleasure seriously, the resort is so intrinsically romantic that it could be a substitute for a first kiss.  And in actuality, the Mediterranean-Mexican architecture of Las Ventanas was, indeed, conceived with the curves of a woman in mind.

The pamperfest begins upon arrival.  There is no need for check-in, there’s no reception desk (those details were taken care of long ago).  Nor is there a door at the resort’s entrance, just an open-air lobby showcasing the paradisiacal view — a serpentine series of waterways seemingly spilling into the sea.

In truth, there is little need for lovebirds to leave their room.  An oversized terrace allows sunbathing by day and under-the-stars dinners each night.  And should the stay be in a luxury suite, vacating it is even less tempting — with the privacy of an open-air shower and one’s own swimming pool.

However, it’s the Director of Romance who helps capture the hearts of the most romantic of visitors . . . from the simplicity of having a couple’s favorite song playing when first entering their room to hiring a small plane to fly overhead with a banner touting a declaration of love trailing behind it.   Continuing in the dreams-come-true category, it’s possible to arrange for a heart of bougainvillea flowers to appear on the bed at turndown as easily as it is to have a Mexican caballero bearing an engagement ring ride to the beach on a white horse as the couple dines solo on the sand.

At Las Ventanas, cupid’s checklist is limitless.

To learn more, go to Las Ventanas.

San Clemente Palace, Venice, Italy

Steeped in radiant renaissance — complete with the palace-lined Grand Canal, impeccably attired gondoliers and tales of legendary resident Giacomo Casanova (the notorious womanizer of the 1700s) — Venice is undeniably history’s timepiece.  Removed from the remainder of the country by both distance and water, the city seems a world apart from Italy.  But it is not.

For in Venice, it’s tradition to giggle over gelato, toast with a glass of champagne at a Piazza San Marco café and sneak a kiss standing atop the Rialto Bridge — all to musical serenades.

To say the Italian city is romantic would be redundant.

Venice is compact, and it’s surrounded by water.  With no motorized vehicles, the only way to explore is on foot or by boat.  But the tiny terrain plays continual host to day-tripping tourists, on-the-move locals, hundreds of pigeons and oblivious lovers — all making a nearby, but quiet, escape even more appealing.

“You are out of the world,” said the concierge of San Clemente Palace. Yet, the private 17-acre island, devoted exclusively to a historic retreat dating from the 12^th century, is only 10 minutes from the vitality of Venice.

Transformed from a former Camaldolesi monastery but only a decade old, the resort simultaneously reflects its ancient history and today’s newest dreams.  Nestled amongst its 21^st-century amenities — outdoor pool, golf, tennis and spa — is the Church of San Clemente (a consecrated Catholic church founded in 1137).

The resort is attuned to romance.  “Whatever a guest would like – we are 90% able to accommodate,” I am told.  And in the name of love, the concierge has assisted in a marriage proposal as a helicopter hovered above Venice.

More information.

Grand Hotel Europe, St. Petersburg, Russia

Called the “Venice of the North,” Russia’s magical city sits astride the Neva River and boasts of countless canals that are crossed by more than 300 bridges and adorned by 500 palaces.

St. Petersburg’s history reads like a Harlequin romance story, with the intrigue only the czars and czarinas of an imperial past can provide.  Its traditional offerings are unmatched: meals beginning with caviar, vodka so smooth it glides along the throat and summer days that never end (called “White Nights,” the translation means around-the-clock sunlight).

At the very heart of St. Petersburg is the Grand Hotel Europe, the city’s lavish, art nouveau-style landmark whose history is intimately intertwined with its royal surroundings.  Noted as the country’s first five-star hotel, The Grand’s guests have included Czar Nicholas II, England’s Prince Charles, the composer Tchaikovsky (who spent his honeymoon at the Grand) and more recently, Pink Floyd.

Its location on Nevsky Prospekt is prime, for it is the city’s most prominent promenade.  Nearby neighbors include Winter Palace Square (home to the Hermitage), the Russian Museum and the multi-colored Church of the Resurrection — spires of this visual showpiece peek above the tree tops of the adjacent park (visible from several of the hotel’s luxury suites).

And when the sun sets, the cream of St. Petersburg society and the city’s visiting connoisseurs collect in the hotel’s Lobby Bar.  Located at the base of the Grand’s sweeping red-carpeted staircase, it’s dark, it’s cozy and it is the place of romantic rendezvous.

If interested, visit Grand Hotel Europe.

We already love Chef Bernard but this just sealed the deal. You will melt hearts with this fabulous dessert.

Callebaut Chocolate Soufflé

Mandarine Napoleon Crème Anglaise

Serves 8

Crème Anglaise

3/4 cup granulated sugar

6 extra large egg yolks

2 cups whole milk

2 cups heavy cream

1 vanilla bean, split

1/4 cup Mandarine Napoleon liqueur

Whisk sugar and egg yolks in mixing bowl until pale yellow and ribbony. Add milk, cream and vanilla bean to saucepan over medium high heat. Bring to boil. Slowly add one cup milk mixture into egg yolks, whisking constantly. Whisk tempered egg yolk mixture into remaining milk mixture in saucepan over medium heat. Bring mixture to 180°F, stirring constantly with high heat proof rubber spatula. Do not boil. Strain through fine sieve into stainless steel bowl set over ice bath, to stop cooking process. Whisk to cool quickly. Return vanilla bean to crème Anglaise. Stir in Mandarine Napoleon. Refrigerate. Transfer to sauce dish.

Soufflé

1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened

8 teaspoons granulated sugar

10 ounces chopped dark chocolate, 72% cocoa

3 tablespoons unsalted butter

6 large egg yolks

6 large egg whites

1/8 teaspoon cream of tartar

pinch sea salt

1/4 cup granulated sugar

4 ounces dark chocolate, 72% cocoa, cut into 8 pieces

Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly butter eight 6-ounce soufflé dishes. Coat each dish thoroughly with 1 teaspoon sugar. Place on baking sheet. Set aside. Add chocolate and butter to large mixing bowl set over pot of barely simmering water, ensuring bottom of bowl does not touch water. Stir until melted. Remove from heat. Whisk in egg yolks, one at a time. In separate mixing bowl, beat egg whites, cream of tartar and pinch of salt to soft peaks. Add sugar. Beat to stiff peaks. Whisk quarter of egg whites into chocolate. Gently fold in remaining egg whites, using rubber spatula. Spoon mixture into prepared soufflé dishes. Insert one piece chocolate into center of mixture. Bake in center of oven 12 minutes or until nicely puffed.

Presentation

2 tablespoons powdered sugar

Dust top of soufflé with powdered sugar before serving. At the table, tell your guests to puncture center of soufflé with dessert spoon and pour in crème Anglaise.

Bon Appetit…Executive Chef Bernard Guillas

The Marine Room, La Jolla

www.chefbernard.com www.marineroom.com www.twochefsoneworld.com

Our Valentine’s Edition of Live Fit Magazine we’re GIVING AWAY AMAZING PRIZES. Live Fit Magazine takes you on board the Inspiration. Hornblower Cruises & Events shares special Valentine’s giveaways and a dessert that has “I love you” all over it.
Plus, does the wine glass really make a difference? We talk to the Sommelier at Europa Village. And Chef Bernard gives us the secret to making the ultimate chocolate soufflé. Plus, two of the rarest BMWs are in San Diego. Host, Phoebe Chongchua takes them for a spin. And we take you for a dreamy Island escape to Maui. Watch and win on Live Fit Magazine.

Be sure to “Like” us on Facebook.com/LiveFitMagazine and subscribe on YouTube.com/LiveFitMagazine.

To enter to win our Giveaways, watch the show, listen for the Winning phrase, and then “Like” us on Facebook.com/LiveFitMagazine.

If you like our programming, please consider sharing it with your friends!

Get the Recipe: Chef Bernard’s Callebaut Chocolate Soufflé as seen in the Live Fit Magazine show.

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, the pressure is on to think of the perfect gift to surprise that special someone in your life. Now for those of you who think that Valentine’s Day is just a scam thought up by greeting card companies and florists, never fear because there are plenty of ways to woo your loved one without breaking the bank and buying into consumerism.

Here are five romantic San Diego ideas that are sure to impress for under $20.

Paddle Boating

For the more adventurous couples, an open-air activity is ideal for romance. At Santee Lakes you and your sweetheart can sail your way through the scenery of the beautiful outdoors by renting one of their two-seater paddle boats for either $8 for a half hour or $11 for an hour. It’ll be fun to work as a team and you two can make a game out of who can spot the most ducks, turtles and rabbits. Not only can you get some fresh air, it’s a great way to live fit with the one you love.

Scenic Picnic

A home-cooked meal is always a great way to show somebody how much you care, but why not push that a step further by taking your food alfresco. Surprise your Valentine with his or her favorite snacks, package them up in a picnic basket and with a blanket in tow take your date to a surprise destination. I recommend the Torrey Pines Glider Port. Sitting on the cliffs overlooking the ocean, watching the paragliders soar off into the sunset is a romantic atmosphere that comes at no cost. Splurge on a bottle of champagne, or some chocolate covered strawberries. Bonus points if the chocolate covered strawberries are home-made!

Drive-In Movie

A blast from the past will remind your date of favorite childhood memories. At the drive-in you get all the fun of going to the movies without the hassle of noisy babies, cell phone ring tones and expensive snacks. You can snuggle up with your sweetheart and laugh out loud at your favorite jokes without having to worry about the inevitable “shhhh!” of irritation you would get at a movie theater. At the drive in you get two movies for the price of one and, with most drive-in’s charging only $7 compared to the whopping $11.50 charged in theaters, you can use the money you save to go to your local grocery store to grab some last minute goodies to munch on during the flicks.

Balboa Park Museum

Most locals avoid Balboa Park to escape from the tourists, and what a shame because it also happens to be one of the most beautiful parts of our city. Luckily, one of the best-kept secrets of San Diego is the perks you get just for being a local. On the first four Tuesday’s of the month, select museums at Balboa park are free for San Diego locals. Take a stroll around the park and make sure to pack a camera because, from the gardens to the architecture, Balboa Park is home to some of the most picturesque gardens and plenty of other spots are perfect for a couple’s photo opp.

Extraordinary Desserts

The name says it all. Skip the typical box of chocolates and treat your Valentine to this dessert haven. It’s a sweet tooth’s paradise here where the desserts are decadent and the decorations are divine. There’s nothing more romantic than a candlelight dessert for two, and at Extraordinary Desserts, you won’t be disappointed with their huge selection of sweets (my favorite is the Shangri-La cake. Yum!). I’d recommend sharing one of their specials. At only $11.50 you and your sweetie will have plenty of dessert to share, and each special is paired with one of their specialty ice creams. Just make sure that you get there early; this place attracts a crowd!

Not only are these ideas great for Valentine’s day, but these date-ideas can work for year-round romance. I say, make everyday Valentines Day by showing the love in your life how much you care 365 days a year.

Happy Valentines Day from Live Fit Magazine.

For this special Valentine’s edition, Live Fit Magazine is proud to offer these giveaways.

This month you have a chance to win:

• A two-night stay at the beautiful Honua Kai Resort & Spa, MAUI
• A one-night stay with wine tasting tickets at the amazing Europa Village Inn, TEMECULA
• A gift basket from Europa Village
• A diamond, 14-carat gold bracelet from Leo Hamel Fine Jewelers (retail value $800)
• Hornblower Cruises & Events Dinner or Adventure Tours
• BMW Travel Mugs*

*Watch the video for specific details on how to win the BMW travel mugs. Hint! Look picture perfect and be one of the first 50 people to head to BMW of Escondido to test drive your favorite BMW! See the Live Fit Magazine show for more details.