About
WELCOME
Ellen Swandiak, a Manhattan maven of food-drink-style, designed HOBNOB to make entertaining that much more entertaining! Combing the city’s most intriguing restaurants, sought-out bars, and culinary events, she has created unique menus that inspire the appetites and imaginations of party planners, foodie divas and hostesses in the know—and on the go.
ONE-STOP PARTY PLANNING
In the PLANNER section, Ellen has assembled various party venue packages, each with sumptuous bites, signature cocktails, wine recommendations, playlists, invitations and more. Just click on the ONE-STOP PARTY PLANNER and check a few boxes for out-of-the box ideas.
HANDSFREE HOBNOBBING
Ellen prides herself on choosing organic, high quality ingredients, bold cuisine combinations—enhanced by simple, elegant plating. Wherever possible, Ellen has created one-bite morsels (utensil-free) to keep to keep guests easily circulating as great parties are meant to be.
THE ROOTS OF EXCEPTIONAL HOSPITALITY
Founder and Editor-In-Chief, Ellen Swandiak, is not only known for hosting fabulous parties, as an Art Director, her design sensibility shines in cookbooks ranging from Rachel Ray to esteemed chefs and restauranteurs. Her party throwing talents launched the column HIP HOSTESS in Organic Spa Magazine and spawned the birth of her blog: HipHostessNYC.blogspot.com
LIKE FATHER, LIKE DAUGHTER
Growing up in an an immigrant Slovak family, Ellen experienced entertainment as a natural part of life. Patriarch, Steve Swandiak, was an accomplished and enthusiastic cook—famous for offering a taste of his latest creation to guests. He would approach guests, spoon in hand, shouting, “Best in the West!” They had no choice but to give it a try. He was a force of nature ideally matched to the love of this life. His wife and sous chef, Emily, always kept the right balance of conviviality and comfort for their guests.
A WORD OF THANKS
“I want to take this opportunity to say thanks to my father, Steve Swandiak —for teaching me to appreciate the simple things in life, like the fresh veggies grown in our garden in Upstate New York, for showing me how to conserve and when to splurge, and most of all, for paving the way in the art of making guests feel welcome.”
—Ellen Swandiak
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Even more recipes and entertaining inspiration on HOBNOB’s Pinterest page.