Ellen Swandiak

New York

Founder and Editor in Chief at HOBNOB Magazine

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Articles

An Unforgettable Journey Aboard Virgin Voyages’ Resilient Lady

Mar 27, 2025 | hobnobmag.com | Tijana Ibrahimovic |Ellen Swandiak

This adults-only cruise redefines the high seas experience, offering lavish accommodations, world-class dining, thrilling entertainment, and awe-inspiring destinations. From the moment we set sail, every detail was designed to create an unparalleled voyage to remember. The Sea Terrace rooms had private balconies that offered breathtaking ocean views, perfect for unwinding with the sound of the waves. The size of the room was great even if shared with another person.
A Night of Elegance at the Iconic Campbell Bar: Consuelo Vanderbilt Costin’s Vogue Cover

Mar 10, 2025 | hobnobmag.com | Tijana Ibrahimovic |Ellen Swandiak

The exclusive event, co-hosted by Michaela Seewald, Publisher of Vogue Czech Republic & Slovakia, welcomed an elite gathering of industry leaders, celebrities, and tastemakers in a setting that perfectly blended historic charm with modern elegance. Known for its opulent décor, soaring ceilings, and rich mahogany accents, the Campbell Bar provided a luxurious and intimate atmosphere for the celebration.
Things To Do On Valentine’s Day NYC: For All Personalities

Jan 30, 2025 | hobnobmag.com | Paulina Kajankova |Ellen Swandiak

This year Valentine’s Day falls on a Friday so you have the whole weekend to celebrate your love. From those who require a bit of glamour to get in the mood, to weekend road trip adventurers, follow our guide and curate your perfect Valentine’s Day according to your personality. RoadTrippers Who Enjoy Getting Out Of The City For One-of-a-kind Experiences, These Spots Are For You. Upstate New York offers a lot of romantic getaways, but one of the most enticing renovations has to be Troutbeck.
NYC's Buzziest and Most Fashionable Restaurants Right Now

Jan 30, 2025 | hobnobmag.com | Paulina Kajankova |Ellen Swandiak

2024 was a big year for New York’s hospitality industry. There were more buzz-worthy openings than we have seen in the last ten years, satisfying hungry restaurant goers with creative menus and aesthetic cocktails. While some went as far as playing all types of angles for publicity (think Instagram-worthy drinks that taste and smell like food,) with the industry suffering during the pandemic years, we can hardly blame them.
Newport RI: Scene and Seen

Oct 3, 2024 | hobnobmag.com | Ellen Swandiak

Newport is a lovely seaside town, filled with historic buildings and a lovely small-town feeling. We loved just walking through the back streets up the hill off the main drag to admire the variety of elegant Colonial, Federal, and Georgian style homes from the 1700s and 1800s. Walking through these streets absolutely transported you to another time. Our trip took place the end of July, so it seems we just missed the blue hydrangea bounty, but gardens were bursting with flora, and a joy to view.
Newport RI: Dining Around

Oct 3, 2024 | hobnobmag.com | Ellen Swandiak

I wouldn’t call Newport a foodie town, but we did manage to have a few great meals. As you can imagine, seafood is their specialty, and al fresco dining was especially nice along the harbor, set away from Thames Street crowds. Our favorite place to sit and eat was at The Terrace Bar inside the Castle Hill Inn, a little excursion from the downtown on the scenic 10-mile drive.
Newport RI: Viewing Art

Oct 3, 2024 | hobnobmag.com | Ellen Swandiak

Newport RI provided some interesting views on this 3-day trip. From photography to vintage cars, Bellevue Ave delivered a nice mix of art and some shopping, all within walking distance. Slim Aarons: Newport Days: As a fan of Slim Aarons work, who is most known for his photos of the leisurely well-off in Palm Springs, I was delighted to see this exhibit. It depicted his ease with hanging with the well-to-do, and captures intimate moments in wonderful color.
New York’s Coolest Movie Theaters: A Cinephile’s Guide

Aug 29, 2024 | hobnobmag.com | Julia Dzurillay |Ellen Swandiak

Sometimes the perfect night out includes a bowl of popcorn, a soda, and a good recliner. Thankfully, New York is home to some of the coolest theaters just for movie buffs, from stylish Alamo Drafthouse locations to the iconic Angelika Film Center and Cafe — both of which get honorable mentions from us. Whether you’re looking for a ritzy movie date night or a Mamma Mia sing-along with friends, we’ve got you covered with our top five favorite cinemas in the big apple.
NYC’s Brunch Experiences For All Types of Personalities

Jul 8, 2024 | hobnobmag.com | Paulina Kajankova |Ellen Swandiak

Picking a place to go for brunch in New York City is a matter of mood and taste. With many options to choose from you can pick your local bottomless brunch dive one weekend, and then pick a burlesque show supper club brunch the next. One thing is for sure, brunch is an indulgent meal that we can’t seem to give up. Our list of brunch experiences vary in options and style – it’s what makes this city great.
Things to Do NYC Summer 2024: Best Destinations and Outdoor Activities

Jul 5, 2024 | hobnobmag.com | Paulina Kajankova |Ellen Swandiak

Every New Yorker knows you spend more time outside than in your apartment. Once the summer season comes around there are an infinite amount of places to go and things to do. The trick is deciphering which are worth your visit. This is our list of beautiful, cultural, and exciting destinations to visit this summer 2024. Outdoor dining is an easy way to spend time outdoors. Summer is the perfect season for people watching. With that said, not all outdoor dining is alike.