Ruthie's Table 4
Arts
iHeartPodcasts
For more than 30 years The River Cafe in London, has been the home-from-home of artists, architects, designers, actors, collectors, writers, activists, and politicians. Michael Caine, Glenn Close, JJ Abrams, Steve McQueen, Victoria and David Beckham, and Lily Allen, are just some of the people who love to call The River Cafe home.
On River Cafe Table 4, Rogers sits down with her customers—who have become friends—to talk about food memories. Table 4 explores how food impacts every aspect of our lives. “Foods is politics, food is cultural, food is how you express love, food is about your heritage, it defines who you and who you want to be,” says Rogers.
Each week, Rogers invites her guest to reminisce about family suppers and first dates, what they cook, how they eat when performing, the restaurants they choose, and what food they seek when they need comfort. And to punctuate each episode of Table 4, guests such as Ralph Fiennes, Emily Blunt, and Alfonso Cuarón, read their favourite recipe from one of the best-selling River Cafe cookbooks.
Table 4 itself, is situated near The River Cafe’s open kitchen, close to the bright pink wood-fired oven and next to the glossy yellow pass, where Ruthie oversees the restaurant. You are invited to take a seat at this intimate table and join the conversation.
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KRISTIN SCOTT THOMAS
The world knows Kristin Scott Thomas as an actress, starring in films such as The English Patient, Four Weddings and a Funeral, and most recently, playing Diana Tarverner in Slow Horses. Having lived in Paris for decades, Kristin is passionate about French cuisine and culture, and today at The River Cafe we speak about how food, France, and family have all played a role in her journey. Ruthie's Table 4, made in partnership with Moncler. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
27:5005/11/2024
Tony Blair
We return with our guest this week, former Prime Minister Tony Blair. In the second episode of the new series, Tony Blair reminisces about food in politics, from the 'memorable’ meals he made his children at Chequers to dining with Heads of State, including the late Queen Elizabeth II. Ruthie's Table 4, made in partnership with Moncler. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
36:2429/10/2024
A Taste of Jalisco with Guillermo del Toro
This week, we had our first guest of the new series, award-winning director Guillermo Del Toro, on the podcast. When he came to The River Cafe, he shared his deep knowledge of tequila and his passion for making his own. Today we're sharing with you what he taught us, giving you a taste of his hometown and the tequila region, Jalisco. You can listen to the full episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and anywhere else you get your podcasts. Ruthie's Table 4, made in partnership with Moncler. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
05:1224/10/2024
Guillermo del Toro
Our first guest in the new series is film director Guillermo Del Toro. Guillermo has taken us into his world, often surreal, mystical, and sometimes dark, through his hugely successful films. But today, he joins us in The River Cafe to talk about the foods of his childhood in Mexico, the foods in his movies, and how food is often used to build trust between his characters. Ruthie's Table 4, made in partnership with Moncler. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
53:0421/10/2024
Announcing Season Four
We are days away from the new season of Ruthie's Table 4, which begins on Tuesday 22nd October! Today, we are giving you a preview of who you can expect to hear from in the coming weeks. Ruthie's Table 4, made in partnership with Moncler.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
02:5317/10/2024
From The Archive: Nancy Pelosi - Part 2
We have just one week until the new series of Ruthie’s Table 4 starts on the 22nd October! And in just 21 days, the U.S. Presidental election will be underway. This week we are revisiting an episode from Series 2 with former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi. Considered the most powerful woman in American political history, she recalls how her five children would help her prepare dinners for the Democratic Party in the early days of her political career, her memories of childhood meals in Baltimore, and her love of everything chocolate. Ruthie’s Table 4, made in partnership with Moncler.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
20:3814/10/2024
From The Archive: Nancy Pelosi - Part 1
We have just one week until the new series of Ruthie’s Table 4 starts on the 22nd October! And in just 21 days, the U.S. Presidental election will be underway. This week we are revisiting an episode from Series 2 with former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi. Considered the most powerful woman in American political history, she recalls how her five children would help her prepare dinners for the Democratic Party in the early days of her political career, her memories of childhood meals in Baltimore, and her love of everything chocolate. Ruthie’s Table 4, made in partnership with Moncler.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
21:4014/10/2024
From The Archive: Steve McQueen
On 22 October the new series of Ruthie's Table 4 returns! In this episode from series two, Steve McQueen talks beautifully about his family, ethical values and the impact of food in his life and work. Ruthie's Table 4, made in partnership with Moncler.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
24:3407/10/2024
From the Archive: Emily Blunt
Ahead of the the fourth series of Ruthie's Table 4 returning on the 22nd October, we are visiting the archives and today, we hear from our guest - Emily Blunt. Emily gives us the recipe for the roast chicken worthy of a marriage proposal, reveals why her favourite pasta dish is cacio e pepe, and how she ate Burger King every night before performing on stage with Dame Judi Dench. Ruthie's Table 4, made in partnership with Moncler. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
23:2730/09/2024
From the Archive: Dame Judi Dench
Three weeks from today, on 22nd October Ruthie’s Table 4, Season 4 of will begin. This week we are replaying one of our favourite episodes - Dame Judi Dench which we recorded in January of 2023. Listen to her recite from memory a childhood poem, recall trying to impress an agent with her cooking, and describe how she cooked a raw sausage on stage for Norman Rodway. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
30:4823/09/2024
From the Archive: Adwoa Aboah
In this week's episode of Ruthie's Table 4, we're delving into the archives again, ahead of our return for series 4 in October. This time, we're revisiting our time with fashion model, actor and political activist, Adwoa Aboah. Adwoa's parents have been part of the River Cafe family since we opened 37 years ago. Five years later Adwoa was born, and was soon sat in the River Cafe as a child, eating pasta, butter and cheese. Now we're here, talking about her life as one of the most successful models in the world, mental health, and of course, food. Ruthie's Table 4, made in partnership with Moncler.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
44:0416/09/2024
From the Archive: Mel Brooks
This week on Ruthie's Table 4, we're revisiting our time with actor, filmmaker, writer and comedian, Mel Brooks. Mel makes the world laugh, but funny isn't the word he'd choose for himself. That word, would be hungry. Ruthie's Table 4, made in partnership with Moncler.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
37:5209/09/2024
From the Archive: Gwyneth Paltrow
This week on Ruthie's Table 4, we're going back to the archives to relive a memorable conversation with Oscar-winning actress, and successful entrepreneur, Gwyneth Paltrow. Two friends, talking about food, family and love. Ruthie’s Table 4 is made in partnership with Moncler.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
28:2902/09/2024
From the Archive: David Beckham Special
This week on Ruthie's Table 4, we're delving into the archives to revisit one of our favourite guests, David Beckham. David featured in two episodes all the way back in season one. We could listen to him speak of his love for food and family forever, so now we've compiled them both into a special extended episode. Stories of Madrid, Milan, memories from his childhood. We invite you to share some more time in his company. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
37:2026/08/2024
Best of Season Three - Part Two
In our second ‘Best Of,’ and final episode for this season, we’re revisiting some memorable conversations with Linda Evangelista, Eric Ripert, Stephen Fry, Gary Lineker, and Laura Dern—it’s been a great series. Please remember to keep sending your suggestions for Season 4. [email protected] Back in October.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
49:4519/08/2024
Best of Season Three - Part One
Forty-three episodes later, Ruthie’s Table 4 is taking a break before starting Season 4 in October. Well, not really a break, as over the next two weeks you will have ‘Best Of’ compilations from Season 3, followed by some of our favourite episodes from all the series. Today we feature excerpts from Sarah Jessica Parker, Guy Ritchie, Wyclef Jean, Carey Mulligan and Tom Hollander. An immeasurable thank you to you ALL for being the greatest listeners ever. And should you have thoughts or suggestions for Ruthie’s Table 4 please contact me: [email protected]. Ruthie’s Table 4 is made in partnership with Moncler.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
48:0112/08/2024
Keira Knightley and James Righton
A few months ago in The River Cafe, after talking about raising children in a tumultuous world, the movies we've been watching, and above all, where and what we've been eating, Keira Knightley, James Righton and I vowed to do an episode of Ruthie’s Table 4 together. Schedules, families, work and travel got in the way until finally we reunited to talk about their many worlds—connected by their love of people, their love of food, and their love for each other. Ruthie’s Table 4 is made in partnership with Moncler.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
36:3205/08/2024
Griffin Dunne
In the past weeks I have been listening to Griffin Dunne’s interviews, watching his films, and most of all, reading his beautiful new memoir, ‘The Friday Afternoon Club,’ with stories about growing up in a family full of storytellers. Cooking is telling a story, eating together is telling a story, going to a food market in Naples, is telling a story. When Griffin told his brother Alex he was going to write a book about their family, he responded, ‘You can say anything you want, but say it from a place of love.’ Today, Griffin and I are going to talk about food and family, food and friends, food and memories—from a place of love. Ruthie’s Table 4 is made in partnership with Moncler.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
42:5429/07/2024
Wyclef Jean
Have you ever heard a recipe rapped by one of the world’s greatest musicians? You will on this week’s episode of Ruthie’s Table 4 with her guest Wyclef Jean. Wyclef emigrated age nine from Haiti to the Brooklyn projects, played fourteen instruments by the time he was thirteen, won three Grammys, speaks seven languages, and was asked to run for President at least two times. After the recipe rap, Wyclef tells the stories of his life in food, music and memories. Ruthie’s Table 4 is made in partnership with Moncler.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
52:5422/07/2024
Frida Escobedo
When I’m asked why I love Mexico, the answer is the culture, cities, food, the seas, the mountains, and the history. But what I really love most are the people, and Frida Escobedo is one of those people. A prominent architect in today’s world, Frida is reimagining the contemporary and modern galleries at New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art, the first woman architect ever to be appointed to do so. From reinventing the world-renowned Centre Pompidou in Paris to designing the Serpentine Gallery’s annual Summer Pavilion, Frida’s unique vision now influences many of the most iconic architectural landmarks of our time. Today, in The River Cafe, we’re making deep-fried zucchini flowers—their stunning colours remind me of our beautiful Mexico, and when she’s not with me, they remind me Frida. Ruthie’s Table 4 is made in partnership with Moncler.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
32:2415/07/2024
Maria Sharapova
Every year must be an anniversary for someone like Maria Sharapova, who hit her first tennis ball at the age of four, was spotted by Martina Navratilova age six, and became one of only ten women in history to win a career Grand Slam when she was 25. But this year is especially special. Maria is celebrating 20 years since winning against Serena Williams on Centre Court, becoming, at just 17, Wimbledon Champion. Today we are here at The River Cafe to celebrate - two women talking about food and memories, with stories to tell. Ruthie’s Table 4 is made in partnership with Moncler.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
42:0708/07/2024
Ridley Scott
It was in our private dining room three years ago when I wrote to Ridley Scott asking if he’d be the first guest for a podcast idea I’d had about food and memories. Ridley wrote back saying, ‘Yes Ruthie but I’m directing Gucci.’ A year later, ‘Yes Ruthie but I’m directing Napoleon.’ A year later, ‘Yes Ruthie but I’m directing The Bee Gees.’ Then a few days ago, whilst sitting in the River Cafe garden with his family, he drew a beautiful drawing on the wine list with the words: ‘Ruthie, how about next Tuesday?’ Ruthie’s Table 4 is made in partnership with Moncler.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
33:1701/07/2024
Sir David Hare
Quite often, people say to me, ‘I couldn’t possibly have you to dinner, you’re the chef of the river café, cooking for you would be overwhelming.’ That’s how I feel about introducing Sir David Hare. How do you write for one of the greatest writers of our generation? Whether he's scripting acclaimed plays like Skylight, Plenty, Stuff Happens, or movies like The White Crow, Denial, or The Reader, David is nothing short of a master of the written word. But I do think David and I have much in common. We both like being hosts; me, in The River Cafe, and David at his home, where he understands the theatre of sitting at a table. We both know that if food brings a table to life, so do the people around it. Today, we are here together in the River Cafe to talk about food, memories, theatre, travel and more. It would be natural to feel overwhelmed, but David makes it easy, and I just feel delighted, and lucky, to have him here. Ruthie's Table 4 is made in partnership with Moncler.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
37:0924/06/2024
Tina Fey and Jeff Richmond
Tina Fey has been on Ruthie's Table 4 before and she is, in fact, our first returning guest. When we first met, she spoke about food being a major part of her life, but she only brought one half of her team. The other half, Jeff Richmond, is here with us now. A composer, producer, director, Jeff is Tina's creative partner, and he's her husband. He says he does all the cooking. Tina and Jeff have collaborated on almost everything, and now they're here in London to open the Mean Girls Musical at the Savoy theatre. I will be there on opening night. Today we're going to talk about working with someone you love, music and comedy, cooking and eating together, and more... Ruthie’s Table 4 is made in partnership with Moncler. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
30:5417/06/2024
Ambassador Jane Hartley
Jane Hartley was the American ambassador to France and Monaco, and now to the Court of Saint James. In the two years she has spent in the United Kingdom so far, Jane has had two monarchs, three prime ministers, four chancellors, and a late-stage pandemic. She has the qualities necessary for the role in abundance: leadership, resilience, duty. I know her as a close friend, and though I always introduce Jane as Ambassador Hartley, my nickname for her is Miss Sparkle. I don’t think I’ve ever seen her without sequins on a sweater, dress, earrings, or even the shoes she’s wearing today. Now, we’re going to get together to talk about work, duty, family and food. I know she will be informed, and I know she will sparkle. Ruthie’s Table 4 is made in partnership with Moncler.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
34:1110/06/2024
Savanah Leaf
A few weeks ago, I was invited to a gala dinner at the National Theatre. The host of my table, Yana Peel, said she was sitting me next to a young filmmaker who had recently won a BAFTA. Then I met an artist whose work had just been exhibited at Hauser & Wirth Gallery in Los Angeles, and is about to be shown at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. Then I met a champion volleyball player who, aged 18, represented Britain in the 2012 London Olympics. Today in The River Cafe, I'm about to talk with all three as Savanah Leaf incredibly, is them all. The London-born, California-raised athlete turned artist, who still only 30, has just won the BAFTA for Best British debut Director for her powerful film Earth Mama. The executive chef of The River Cafe Sian Owen is joining us, now we are five. A Cook, an artist, a director, an athlete and me. Women rule.Ruthie’s Table 4 is made in partnership with Moncler.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
33:4403/06/2024
Remo Ruffini
If you find yourself on a mountain needing a ski jacket, going to a party needing something beautiful to wear, or in Paris or Milan craving perfect fish, the man to meet is Remo Ruffini, CEO and Chairman of Moncler co-owner of Langosteria restaurants in cities all over the world.Remo is dynamic, elegant and a visionary, putting sustainability at the heart of the company. His leadership is a manifestation of Moncler’s ethos, dreaming big and bringing those dreams to life. Today I'm in Milan for Design Week. Moncler has taken over the central train station to launch its latest campaign, An Invitation to Dream, curated by Jefferson Hack. I'm in Remo’s home celebrating fashion, innovation, inspiration and daring to dream. Ruthie’s Table 4 is made in partnership with Moncler.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
39:3327/05/2024
Claire Saffitz
We've only just met, but I'm confident Claire Saffitz and I will be friends Claire shares the challenges of baking and life in general. She's a star in a new era of food writers who are experts in their knowledge, passionate about their craft, rigorous about their work. Claire majored in history and literature at Harvard, then one day, almost by accident, she became the host of her own cooking show. She has written two cookbooks, Dessert Person and What's For Dessert, both New York Times bestsellers. I've come to New York to meet Claire - we have a lot to discuss.This episode of Ruthie's Table 4 is made in partnership with Moncler.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
45:4620/05/2024
Gary Lineker
My brother, Michael Elias, a writer and director tells me when visitors come to the set of a film, nothing stops. The only exception is if they are athletes.Maybe it’s because everyone thinks, if pressed, they could act, sing or dance, but never run a race, ski downhill or score a goal. When Gary Lineker, one of the great footballers of our time, walks into The River Cafe everything stops. He is one of the very few footballers never to have received a red or yellow card — consistent with who he is: principled, respectful and fair — values we share. We’re also both in the world of podcasts - his company Goal Hanger has 18 million listeners a month. Gary and I also share the world of food. Look at his Instagram account and you will see as many photographs of what he is cooking as the games he is analysing on Match of the Day. Today, Gary is in The River Cafe kitchen with Joseph Trivelli making Potato Gnocchi with tomato sauce. When he comes back I will definitely stop what I’m doing to talk to him about food, football, family and principles. It’s a goal.Ruthie's Table 4 is made in partnership with Moncler.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
33:1613/05/2024
Laura Dern
Thinking about Laura Dern coming here today, I scrolled through three years of text messages. It's a story about making plans and choosing restaurants to go to. As usual, most of our ideas were aspirational, adapting around our families, movies, cooking and travel. Laura is fun, curious and smart, hanging with the crew on set. She has memories of her grandmother and describes her parents as heroes. She is a bold spokesperson for women in the film. Renzo Piano, the architect for the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in L.A., remembers that as a trustee, she was a rigorous and remarkable client. Today, we're here in the River cafe to talk about all this and more. Listen to Ruthie’s Table 4: Laura Dern made in partnership with Moncler – out now.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
34:3506/05/2024
Judd Apatow
I may not know what makes a good comedian, but I do know what makes a good father. When Judd and I met in London — where his daughter Maude was playing the lead role of Sally Bowles in Cabaret — he told me this was the eighth time he'd seen it in three weeks. While I don’t know what makes a good comedian, Judd certainly does. His advice to kickstart your writing: think of a topic and write down as many jokes and one liners as you can. Don't be scared if your first draft doesn't make you laugh out loud — keep going. There are definite parallels between cooking and comedy. And paraphrasing his words, an aspiring chef should never panic if the first attempt doesn't taste quite right. Eating and laughing; children and acting; movies and restaurants. We're here today in The River Cafe, and Judd and I will tackle them all. Life is a cabaret.Listen to Ruthie's Table 4: Judd Apatow out now - made in partnership with Moncler.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
39:2629/04/2024
Marisa Abela
Sam Taylor-Johnson is a close friend and director of Back To Black, the story of Amy Winehouse. Checking in with her during filming, she always reassured me it was intense. It was challenging. It was exhilarating. But, the best part was working with Marisa Abela. One night a few months ago, Sam called me at home to tell me Marisa was in The River Cafe and could we send her a glass of champagne? When I told this to Michael, a friend visiting me from New York, he said, ‘Ruthie, we're not sending her a glass of champagne. We're going there right now to give it to her ourselves'.This month, Back to Black opened in London. Today, we're here together in The River Cafe and when we’re done we'll have a glass of champagne.Listen to Ruthie's Table 4: Marissa Abela made in partnership with Moncler.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
30:3622/04/2024
Tom Hollander
Imagine going to a close friend's birthday, months after the death of your son. Imagine realising it was too soon and telling the man you're talking to who you hardly know, why you need to leave. He takes your arm and insists on seeing you to the lift. Then he goes down with you until you get to the street. This becomes a ten minute walk to the car park. A climb up the stairs, him holding your hand tightly until you find your car. Driving off, you see him in the rearview mirror waving goodbye. I was this woman, and Tom Hollander was this man. And his act of tenderness and compassion has stayed with me for 13 years. There are many stories about Tom Hollander. The best ones are told by him, not least his life in the day for the Sunday Times, the best in a great series ever written. He is a fantastic actor; White Lotus, Patriots, most recently captivating audiences as Truman Capote in Feud: Capote vs. The Swans. He sings beautiful songs to his six month old son. He's passionate about what he cooks and what he eats. Yesterday, he sent me a photograph with no caption of Fran Hickman with a large stainless steel saucepan obscuring her face, drinking the contents.Imagine, being me in The River Cafe with Tom Hollander on a Tuesday afternoon, talking about memories of food, memories of friendship, family and all his doing. Then imagine how special this feels.Listen to Ruthie's Table 4: Tom Hollander made in partnership with Moncler.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
35:3715/04/2024
Vivek Murthy
“Across a garden from where Surgeon General Vivek Murthy and I are sitting, people are having Sunday lunch in The River Cafe. Walking into the room you hear the rise and fall of conversation and laughter, friends and families connecting over food. At age 37 Vivek was appointed as the youngest Surgeon General of the United States by President Obama and is now serving a second term with President Biden. During Covid in his gap between terms as Surgeon General, he might have researched illnesses – cancer, heart disease and diabetes but instead he chose what he saw as another epidemic of our time- loneliness. He is a Surgeon General who sees love as a foundation for good public health. How rare to hear the word love as a solution to a diagnosis. He sees food as an antidote to loneliness, believing loneliness is like hunger and like thirst. I am privileged today to talk with and listen to the Surgeon General and to hear how as a doctor, a father, a husband a child and now my friend. Food is connection and food is love.”Listen to Ruthie’s Table 4 in partnership with Moncler – out now.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
43:0108/04/2024
Sarah Jessica Parker
The first time that Sarah Jessica Parker and I spoke, the tables were turned. She was on the phone in The River Cafe kitchen, and I was on a beach in Mexico. It was really hard to hear her with the noise of pots and pans, the crashing waves of the Pacific Ocean. But her dazzling warmth travelled the 6000 miles. If the phone connection was poor, the friendship connection was instant.Last month, she was in The River Cafe with her family, and I was there with mine. They were sitting on table one, just a few feet from the pink wood oven close to the drama of the kitchen. And there she was, dazzling and warm. ‘How does all this work, Ruthie? How do you make sure that Matthew's ravioli comes out the same time as my asparagus bagna cauda.’ ‘This kitchen’, she said, ‘feels like the inside of a pinball machine with energy bouncing between the different stations. How do you all have the energy to do both lunch and dinner?’Now, I suppose if I went backstage to Plaza Suite, the play that Sarah is doing here with her husband, Matthew Broderick, I would have similar questions. ‘How does this work, Sarah? What do you do if someone forgets their lines? And how do you all have the energy to do a matinee and an evening performance?’ Today we're here not miles apart, inches apart. Two friends together, surrounded by all of you great people. What a connection.Listen to Ruthie’s Table 4: Sarah Jessica Parker in partnership with Moncler.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
44:2501/04/2024
Governor Phil Murphy & First Lady Tammy Murphy
If you're in politics, being outgoing, engaging and caring is part of the job. And these are the words often used to describe the Governor of New Jersey, Phil Murphy, and first Lady Tammy Murphy. But having been close to Phil and Tammy for as long as I have, I know this is truly who they are. In 2008, Phil was the finance chair for the Democratic National Committee and as Americans abroad, we supported the presidential campaign for Barack Obama. Phil and Tammy worked day and night traveling to London so often we thought they lived there. Our conversations then were always about society and politics, the sense of public service that runs so deeply in them. Their eyes, though, really lit up when we discussed their four children.In January, we sat down to have this conversation in the Governor's office in New Jersey; the state is deeply committed to, proud of and loves. And these are actually the very same words I would use to describe how I feel about Phil and Tammy Murphy. Committed, proud, two people I love.Listen to Ruthie's Table: Governor Phil Murphy & First Lady Tammy Murphy in partnership with Moncler.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
36:1426/03/2024
Stephen Fry
There is a well-known cartoon in The New Yorker magazine depicting President Franklin Delano Roosevelt in his pyjamas, on his knees next to his bed, saying a prayer for his wife, the most active first lady in history. ‘Dear Lord, please make Eleanor tired tomorrow’. I can imagine the friends and family of Stephen Fry saying the same prayer, for there's very little Stephen doesn't do. Actor, comedian, television host, director, a prolific writer with four novels, three autobiographies and countless columns in national papers. But should you ask, as I've been doing, the people who know him really well. What Stephen is best at, they will answer, being a friend. As for me, I love this man. All he stands for, and quite simply who he is.And I would change the FDR prayer. I would say, ‘Dear Lord, we all need Stephen Fry. Please do not make him tired tomorrow’.Listen to Ruthie’s Table 4: Stephen Fry in partnership with Moncler – out now.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
45:5519/03/2024
Fisher Stevens
Fisher Stevens and I were recently brought close together by one of the greatest artists of the 20th century, Philip Guston, and one of the greatest footballers, David Beckham. Last September he was in The River Cafe with the producers of Beckham, the series he directed for Netflix. We agreed to have breakfast at my house and the next morning he arrived.Walking up the stairs, Fischer stopped at the large pink Guston. It was hard to tear him away as he spoke about the painting and what it meant to him. A half hour turned into more than an hour as we talked about art we looked at, architecture we lived in and food we cooked. We agreed we would continue the conversation on Ruthie's Table 4 when I came to New York.So here we are, this time in Fischer's house, connected through a love of Beckham, food, film, Guston and each other. Life is good.Listen to Ruthie’s Table 4: Fisher Stevens in partnership with Moncler – out now.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
38:1212/03/2024
Eric Ripert
In a profession that is ever changing and always challenging, Eric Ripert is an inspiration. He's been the chef, and co-owner, of New York's legendary Le Bernardin for more than 30 years. He is a mentor to many, and someone who so many chefs look up to. Today, I'm here in New York with him at his Michelin three-star temple to fish and seafood, talking about us living in different cities, while cooking the food of different countries. But you know what? We're a lot alike: Two chefs with much to share.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
40:1305/03/2024
Emily Mortimer
I’ve known Emily Mortimer since she was six. Her parents were close friends—John, a playwright and barrister, and Penny, a fly fisher and tennis player, who managed the no small feat of smoking while playing the game. What Emily does now is impressive—she's an actor, a writer, and director, known for such films as Notting Hill, The Pursuit of Love, Newsroom, Match Point, and Apple TV’s latest, The New Look, with Juliette Binoche. Not that she has only worked onscreen. Emily was one of the first employees of the River Cafe, back in 1989 when being 17 and totally inexperienced was no obstacle to being a waiter. Together in The River Cafe today we're going to talk about food, memories and cooking a goose while studying in Russia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
42:0427/02/2024
Danny Meyer
Restaurateur Danny Meyer opened Union Square Cafe and Gramercy Tavern in New York more than 30 years ago and proved values matter. One could not only treat staff with the respect they deserve, but make customers happy. Happier, as they say, when they leave than when they arrived. Danny then launched Shake Shack in 2001, a hotdog stand in Madison Park. The rest, as they say, is history. Today, when Ruthie has a question about fair policies for the people who work with her or how to think about expanding or contracting The River Cafe, or whether it would be possible to do exchanges with their best chefs, Danny is the person she calls.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
38:0820/02/2024
Karen Drijanski & Eduardo Plaschinski
When Ruthie found herself living in Mexico City for four months in 2018, her regular world of London, work, family and friends became irregular. She was thrust into a city with new people, new language and new food. Then one day someone suggested she meet at Niddo, a small restaurant recently opened by Karen Drijanski and her son Eduardo Plaschinski. From that moment her mornings changed. She went to Niddo almost daily, always to be greeted with a strong embrace from Karen, who would go back to her kitchen and cook the best breakfast: eggs Mexicana, rancheros, tortillas, fresh breads, oatmeal, cheese omelettes, avocado.Ruthie and Karen kept in touch, but it was only a weeks ago that she returned to Niddo for the first time in four years. And so, here today not from The River Cafe but from a studio in Mexico City, three good friends back in the most beautiful of cities—a warm and irregular world.Ruthie's Table 4 is made in partnership with Moncler.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
39:3913/02/2024
Guy Ritchie
When you ask Guy Ritchie to do a podcast, you don't just get Guy Ritchie the director—you get Guy Ritchie the food lover. Before sitting down with Ruthie, there he was in the garden at The River Cafe, setting up his WildKitchen cooking rig to grill a ribeye steak for all the chefs. He then joined Ruthie to talk wine, creative process, how he measures success, fishing, how he cooks his steaks, and bringing the WildKitchen to his film sets.Ruthie's Table 4 is made in partnership with Moncler.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
38:5206/02/2024
Carey Mulligan
Last Wednesday, 24 hours after being nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in ‘Maestro’, Carey Mulligan arrived at The River Cafe. She joined chef Sian Owen in the kitchen to cook scallops, and sat down with Ruthie to discuss her celebrated career and the foods she loves. Listen to Ruthie’s Table 4: Carey Mulligan in partnership with Moncler. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
44:1630/01/2024
Will Ferrell
When Will Ferrell said he'd be my guest on Ruthie's Table 4, I expected some laughs, some great stories, but not ‘Happy Birthday’ in Swedish. Everyone seems to love Will, whether they worked with him or, of course, watched him on screen in those classic comedies, Elf and Anchorman and many more. We do have a mutual friend, Saturday Night Live creator and producer Lorne Michaels, but we first met last spring when I was invited to a lunch. Now, walking into a lunch party late can be awkward—conversations stop, chairs are adjusted, introductions made. But there I was, seated next to Will and all was right with the world. He was here in London filming Barbie and I was just off to New York, but we promised to continue the conversation. And that’s what we’re doing today, on Table 4. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
39:3423/01/2024
Keri Russell & Matthew Rhys
Today, a Ruthie’s Table 4 first, our first couple interview. Recorded on location in New York, actors Matthew Rhys and Keri Russell join Ruthie to discuss their lives through food. Mathew grew up in Wales eating Cawl and Kerri started her career aged 15 where she had to fend for herself. They now live together with their children in Brooklyn and share a love for sage pasta, travelling through Italy, discovering local restaurants - and most of all a passion for each other. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
36:3916/01/2024
Mala Gaonkar
Mala Goanker, businesswoman, writer and founder of SurgoCap, sits down with Ruthie to discuss her work in public healthcare, growing a farm in Sussex and the science of food in forming memories.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
43:2309/01/2024
Glenn Lowry
The MoMA is arguably the best museum in the world. Art-historian and director, Glenn Lowry, joins Ruthie to talk about the importance of great food in museums, the recent Ed Ruscha exhibition, and the influence of French cooking on his life.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
39:3102/01/2024
Joanna Calo
The Bear is the number 1 hit show of 2023. Writer, producer and show-runner, Joanna Calo, joins Ruthie to discuss creating menus for television, growing up with a communal kitchen and the importance of female representation in kitchens on screen.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
32:0926/12/2023
Trudie Styler
Trudie Styler, film producer, actress, activist and farmer, joins Ruthie to talk about their shared connection of the food, wine and history of Tuscany.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
44:0419/12/2023