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Joan Whitebook, ABR,e-Pro,CEBA Southern New Hampshire

Saffron Bistro Wins Best of Nashua Award

 Saffron Bistro

   Saffron Bistro has received the Best of Nashua Award for 2009 in the restaurant category by the U.S. Commerce Association (USCA).

  The USCA recognizes outstanding local businesses throughout the country.  The award is given to businesses that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers.

I can attest to the fact that Saffron Bistro is a great restaurant!

   If you are looking for an elegant, relaxing dining experience without having to drive to Boston, you will want to experience the Saffron Bistro located on Main street in Nashua, New Hampshire.safron bistro

    The Saffron Bistro opened on June 7, 2007, by two Nashua natives, Benjamin Mercuri and Joe Drift, who is also the chef.  

    Saffron Bistro delivers American Eclectic cuisine with an emphasis on local organic ingredients.  The tantalizing menu changes every 4-6 weeks.

      I have eaten at the Saffron Bistro several times.

     We you arrive, you will be warmly greeted by the staff. The main dining room is intimate with its serene colors, fine linens and stripped upholstery.   The walls are accented with the art of local artists.  

      If you want to start with a drink or network after work, the bar is also very inviting, with a lovely Brazilian hardwood floor, comfortable stools and an imported marble bar counter.  Patrons can enjoy creative and refreshing "martinis" along with more traditional cocktails and drinks.  great martinis

     The meal often starts off the evening with delicious appetizer, gratis from the Chef. carpaccio

      The last time I visted the Saftron Bistro, I ordered Caramelized Day Boat Sea Scallops  -- 6 large scallops placed around a bed of risotto filled with Maine Lobster and Asparagus Risotto and topped with colorful pea tendrils.  Orange gastrique circled the edges and the scallops were seared with a caramelized orange sauce.delicious entrees

        My husband ordered the Stuffed Frenched Pork Chop.  It was stuffed with spinach, fontina cheese.  Butter Sautéed Fingling Potatoes and Haricot Verts accompanied the pork chop with sauce Robert.

         The wine list is small and relatively inexpensive.  Jonell had great recommendations on which wines would best compliment our entrees.

         Desserts are made fresh daily.   They often include a Passion Fruit Crème Brûlée and a super-rich chocolate version; warm chocolate cake; and a trio of fresh sorbets, including blood orange, passion fruit, and pineapple. "

         Safron Bistro is located at 80 Main Street in Nashua. Closed Sunday and Monday, and open for lunch Tuesday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., and for dinner Tuesday through Saturday from 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.  (603) 883-2100 www.thesaffronbistro.com.

                                          

    Next time you are looking for a great dining experience be sure to stop by the award winning Saffron Bistro in Nashua, New Hampshire.

   If you are considering buying a home or relocating to the Nashua area, please give me a call.  Find out why Nashua is the Best Place to Live In America.

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Disclaimer: Information herein may come from various sources, some of which may not be reliable and may change without any notice. Joan Whitebook does not guarantee or is any way responsible for the accuracy of the information in this blog and information provided is without warranties of any kind, either express or implied. Information on this blog represents the opinions and ideas of the author; comments by others may not express the views of the author.


Copyright © 2008 By Joan Whitebook, all rights reserved.*Copyrights- "Saffron Bistro Wins Best of Nashua Award" Photos by Joan © 2009 all rights reserved.

 

New Hampshire Buyers- Looking for a New Place to Live?

Looking for a New Place?

THERE ARE A LOT OF GOOD REASONS TO BUY NOW

HISTORICALLY LOW INTEREST RATES

MORTGAGE MONEY IS AVAILABLE FOR THOSE WHO QUALIFY

AFFORDABLE HOME PRICES

UP TO $8000 FIRST TIME HOMEBUYER TAX CREDIT (EXPIRES NOV 30TH)

CALL A BUYER AGENT SPECIALIST TO ASSIST YOU IN FINDING A NEW PLACE TO CALL HOME

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  • Call Joan - 800-269-6445 x 2 or email nhbuyerrep@gmail.com
  • Accredited Buyer Representative and Certified Exclusive Buyer's Agent
  • Request a free list of questions to ask when searching for an agent

Buyer's Option Realty Services - Janet White owner/broker - licensed in NH - Photo (c) 2009 - Joan Whitebook, can be used with written permission.

New Hampshire Is Number One in the US for Children

New Hampshire Number One for Kids

NEW HAMPSHIRE RANKS NO. 1 FOR CHILDREN

New Hampshire came up on top again as the number one Kid-friendly state in America. The annual kids count report was released last week by the Annie E. Casy Foundation. The foundation looks at several factors, including poverty, drop out rates and employment.

The information for the report comes from various sources such as the US Census. The report is very comprehensive and pinpoints problems in how the federal government measures household poverty and venerable children. Minnesota ranked second.. Utah ranked third...

For the fourth time in five years, New Hampshire was ranked in first place.

Check out the Report to see how your state did this year.

While the current economy has had an impact on poverty in New Hampshire, increasing to 9% as of 2007, it is predicted that this number has increased in 2008 and 2009.

Many New Hampshire schools and communities have programs in place to try to assist children in need.

Call me to find out why New Hampshire recently was chosen as the Most Livable State in America! and the Third Healthiest State in America.

Congratulations New Hampshire!

Whether you are relocating to New Hampshire or already live in New Hampshire and you seek buyer focused representation, contact me, I would love to show around.

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Disclaimer: Information herein may come from various sources, some of which may not be reliable and may change without any notice. Joan Whitebook does not guarantee or is any way responsible for the accuracy of the information in this blog and information provided is without warranties of any kind, either express or implied. Information on this blog represents the opinions and ideas of the author; comments by others may not express the views of the author.
Copyright © 2009 By Joan Whitebook, all rights reserved.*copyright "New Hampshire Is Number One in the US for Children"

Whether you are relocating to New Hampshire or already live in New Hampshire and you seek buyer focused representation, contact me, I would love to show around.

Amherst, New Hampshire - Black Forest Café wins 2009 Best of NH Award

Black Forest

CONGRATULATIONS to The BLACK FOREST

The Black Forest, located in Amherst, New Hampshrie, was awarded the New Hampshire Magazine 2009 Best of New Hampshire Award for the Best Cookie and Best Desert Café!

Bruce and Martha Walters are the owners of the Black Forest. They have a unique philosophy... All foods are hand made from scratch on the premises every day using fresh, local, natural ingredients!

fresh ingredients

The Black Forest specializes comfort foods with a creative twist!

The Black Forest opened on November 25, 1988 at Salzberg Square in Amherst where it remained for 10 years. The Black Forest was an immediate favorite and the Waters found they needed more space and moved to the current location just off of Highway 101, and added a function room and take-out.

At The Black Forest, you will experience creative dishes and mouth-watering desserts that you won't find anywhere else! This is the result of the implementation of old-world techniques, using fresh local ingredients and not using anything which is mass produced.

As the seasons change in New Hampshire, the head chef, Bruce Walters, creates delicious recipes that will amaze you and delight your taste buds...

Bruce Walters trained at the finest culinary schools in the world - including Le Cordon Bleu in London and Ecole de Cuisine, La Varenne in Paris.

This is not the first award the Black Forest has received. Every year since 2002 the Black Forest has won the Best Cookie award from NH Magazine. It won the best cheesecake award and "Best Dessert Cafe" awards in 2007. The goal for 2010 is to win the best pie award! black forest pastries

I highly recommend the food and pastries at the Black Forest Café.

The Sunday brunch is my favorite.., I can smell the homemade rolls and fresh breakfast dishes!

When showing properties and taking a lunch break, I often stop in the adjoining "market" to get lunch to take out. The cases are filled with unique wraps, salads, soups, entrees, quiche, and other seasonal creations.

Of course, you can't leave without dessert. Try one of the award wining chocolate chip cookies ... or the seasonal fruit tart or slice of summer berry pie.

Experience the Black Forest .. " where the proof is in the product, and taste the difference!"

212 Route 101
Amherst, NH 03031
Ph. (603) 672-0500

Welcome to Amherst, New Hampshire. Please give me a call or email me ~ I would love to introduce you to this beautiful New England Town.

*some photos and text used with permission of Martha Walters

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Disclaimer: Information herein may come from various sources, some of which may not be reliable and may change without any notice. Joan Whitebook does not guarantee or is any way responsible for the accuracy of the information in this blog and information provided is without warranties of any kind, either express or implied. Information on this blog represents the opinions and ideas of the author; comments by others may not express the views of the author. Joan Whitebook, Buyer's Option Realty Services - Licensed in NH; Janet White owner/Broker
Copyright © 2009 By Joan Whitebook, all rights reserved.*copyright "Amherst, New Hampshire - Black Forest Café wins 2009 Best of NH Award"

New Hampshire Buyers - First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit Deadline is Approaching

first time credit

Attention All New Hampshire Buyers -- The First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit Deadline is quickly approaching!

If you want more information, please give me a call and I will be glad to meet with you to discuss the home buying process.

Even though there are efforts in congress to extend the tax credit, many are predicting that an extension of the first time home buyer tax credit will not pass.

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 authorized a tax credit of up to $8,000 for first time home buyers who qualify and purchase a principal residence on or after January 1, 2009 and BEFORE December 1, 2009.

Find out if you qualify for the First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit.

Currently, in Southern New Hampshire, the time frame from the signing a contract to the date of the closing can take several weeks or months. Many simple transactions are taking approximately 6 to 8 weeks to close. Short sales and bank owned properties can take several months.

You may want to begin your search NOW to insure that you don't miss the deadline.

Here are some of the highlights of the first time home buyer tax credit. tax refund

Who is eligible? A First- Time home buyer purchasing either an existing or new home may qualify if all conditions are met. All US citizens who file taxes and meet the other requirements.

Who is a first time home buyer? A first time home buyer is defined as a buyer who has not owned a principal residence during a three (3) year period prior to the purchase. If you are married, the then law requires that both parties meet this test.

If two unmarried buyers want to purchase a home (e.g. parent and child) may allocate the credit to the buyer who qualifies as a first time home buyer. See IRS notice regarding unmarried buyers. Additional scenarios can be found on the IRS site.

What types of property qualify for the credit? Any home that going to be used as your principal residence will qualify. This would include single family, condominiums and town homes, manufactured or mobile homes and house boats.

For a home that you construct, the purchase date is considered to be the first date you occupy the home.

(There are additional restrictions; check with your tax adviser e.g., you cannot purchase a home from your mom, dad, grandparents (ancestors), your lineal descendants (e.g. son, daughter, grandchild) or from your spouse.)

What is the amount of the credit? For home buyers who qualify, the tax credit is equal to ten percent (10%) of the purchase price of the home up to a maximum of $8,000, but only half of the credit amount for married persons filing separately. See IRS instructions for definition of purchase price.

What are the income limits to qualify? The single taxpayer income limit is $75,000. For married taxpayers who file a joint return the income limit is $150,000.

The tax credit amount is reduced for home buyers who have a modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) of over $75,000 for single taxpayers and over $150,000 for married tax payers filing a joint return. The tax credit phases out depending on each taxpayers situation. The phase out range is equal to $20,000.. therefore, if the MAGI for a single person is more than $95,000 or for a married couple filing jointly $170,000, the amount would be "0". To find MAGI, please refer to the IRS website.

How do you claim the tax credit? After you determine that you qualify for the credit and you have closed on the principal residence, complete IRS Form 5405 to determine the tax credit amount.

Do you have to repay the credit? No, so long as the home remains your principal residence. However, the obligation to repay will arise if the home ceases to be your principal residence within 36 months from the date of purchase. In that case, the full amount of the credit received is due on the return for the year the home ceased being your principal residence.

You can find more information on the first time home buyer tax credit on the IRS website.

Give me a call for a free, no obligation consultation on buying a home; or send me an email.

Please remember, this information and the links are intended to provide a general idea of how the tax credit might be applied in different circumstances and to different individuals. Moreover, the rules and regulations are constantly changing. Please consult your tax adviser, accountant and attorney for information on how the first time home buyer tax credit may apply to your individual situation.

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Disclaimer: Information herein may come from various sources, some of which may not be reliable and may change without any notice. Joan Whitebook does not guarantee or is any way responsible for the accuracy of the information in this blog and information provided is without warranties of any kind, either express or implied. Information on this blog represents the opinions and ideas of the author; comments by others may not express the views of the author. Joan Whitebook, Buyer's Option Realty Services - Licensed in NH; Janet White owner/Broker
Copyright © 2009 By Joan Whitebook, all rights reserved.*copyright "New Hampshire Buyers-First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit Deadline is Approaching"