Birthday Party Englewood, NJ
A modern banquet hall for a new decade.
Banquet halls have always been places where people come together for personal celebrations, corporate events, or simple gatherings of family and friends. The Elan reinvents the traditional banquet hall with modern design and amenities, an unsurpassed professional approach to service, and fresh, sophisticated cuisine. The newly rebuilt interior boasts top-of-the-line multimedia resources.

Everyday, our goal is to provide our guests with the highest quality food, atmosphere, and service while running our business operations with integrity — putting the client first at all times. The building is impeccably maintained, and our staff rigorously trained. Our clientele is the community that surrounds us; we know we cannot succeed without you, Thus we are committed to cater your event with the utmost care. 		line Ari Starkman, Owner
Ari brings his fresh and creative catering and restaurant experience to The Elan. He began his career in the food and events industry while attending the Berklee School of Music and later the graduated from the Culinary Institute of America, the country's top culinary school. Since graduating, he has developed his culinary skills while working under some of today's most renowned chefs, including Steven Starr (Buddakhan) and Rocco D'Spirito (Union Pacific). Most recently, Ari was the General Manager at Sterling Affair, a high-end New York City off-premise catering company which boasts such clients as the Rockefeller family and Columbia and Fordham Universities. There he further developed his management and event planning skills, bringing his distinctive style and stellar service to each and every event he planned and managed. He provided clients with his superior attention to detail and dedicated personal service from event conception to completion, ensuring each and every detail from cuisine to décor and staffing was perfected. Under Ari's ownership and management, The Elan is poised to serve and satisfy its clientele.

Chef Joseph Macri
Chef Joseph Macri graduated from the prestigious Culinary Institute of America in 1996.  Following brief stints at New York City’s Tribeca Grill and Torre di Pisa, Joe quickly worked his way through the ranks and, in 1998, at the young age of 26, became Candela's Executive Chef. In 2001, less than five years into his culinary career, Joe was instrumental in the opening of a second restaurant, Caruso's Tuscan Grill, a 250-seat restaurant located in Paramus, New Jersey.  Joe served as Caruso's Executive Chef, while at the same time remaining the Executive Chef of Candela. Joe's insatiable hunger for culinary knowledge led him to travel throughout Italy in the summers of 2003 and 2004 where he continued his extensive culinary training by working with several local Italian chefs.

In 2000, Joe won the annual Heineken "La Parade des Chefs" culinary competition.  He also has appeared as a guest chef and co-hosted "Food and Wine Fridays," a weekly cooking segment on Channel 10 News, and Time Warner Cable New Jersey.  Over the years, Macri has been featured in many publications, including, among others, Newsday, Country Living, Food Arts, Time Out New York, America Oggi, The Bergen Record, 201 Magazine and New Jersey Monthly Magazine.

Michael DePaolo, General Manager
 Michael DePaolo is truly a student of the hospitality industry. He has held every position in catering including but not limited to Maître d', Purchasing Manager, and Director of Operations. During this time he has had the honor of hosting such dignitaries as Desmond Tutu, rock legends like Journey, and super stars Robert Deniro and Kevin Bacon. Michael's career spans the tri-state area, from private affairs in Greenwich, CT, to 1,000-person galas on Ellis Island. After honing his craft as part of the famed Abigail Kirsch management team then to overseeing the New York Hospitality Group back of house staff he is excited to bring his talents to New Jersey. Possessing an unmatched passion for hospitality and attention to detail, he is proud to make your event an unforgettable one.

Lisa Catoggio, Event & Marketing Coordinator

Lisa Catoggio comes to The Elan as the former Special Projects Coordinator for one of the world's most well known international event decorators; of which Lisa assisted in the production of events for the likes of Jennifer Lopez, Lionel Richie, and Kimora Lee Simmons (of which she was featured on an episode of Style Network's "Kimora Lee Simmons: Party Fabulous"). From Cipriani 42nd Street in New York to Harry's Bar in Venice, Lisa is a well traveled entrepreneur who has remained one step ahead in the event industry. Her ability to design, produce, and multi-task on events is truly remarkable. Her extreme attention to detail and her pristine work ethic not only enhances the overall execution, but places her clientele at ease knowing that their event will be nothing short of spectacular. Her fun yet charismatic demeanor adds that certain je ne sais quoi that clients of all ages adore and appreciate and that is why Lisa is overjoyed to be the smiling face that greets you as you begin your journey through The Elan.