Ruthie's Table 4

Memories of disappearing croissants, covering up kitchen mistakes, and how good chefs 'dance' around the kitchen. With Ruthie Rogers, Sian Owen and Joseph Trivelli. Ruthie's Table 4, made in partnership with Moncler.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

...on how they met following a prophetic dream from Keira's agent, how dating Keira forced James to eat more adventurously, and the parallels between songwriting and winemaking.  Originally recorded in 2024. Ruthie's Table 4, made in partnership with Moncler.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The architect describes keeping live carp in the bathtub for dinner, how fish influence his designs, and holding matzo brei 'bake-offs' with his friends. Originally recorded in 2023. Ruthie's Table 4, made in partnership with Moncler. Thumbnail photograph: © Alexandra CabriSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

...on accidentally eating movie props, how food on film sets has changed, her passion for regenerative farming, and writing a book with her mother. Originally recorded in 2024. Ruthie's Table 4, made in partnership with Moncler.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The former Surgeon General of the United States discusses how loneliness can be understood as a medical condition, and the hot sauce his father made which was so spicy it required a mask. Originally recorded in 2024.  Ruthie's Table 4, made in partnership with Moncler.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

...on working as a chambermaid in Florence, the joy of room-temperature meals and what 'comfort food' means to her. Originally recorded in 2021.  Ruthie's Table 4, made in partnership with Moncler. Thumbnail Photograph: Matt HolyoakSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week’s episode, recorded in 2021, Victoria Beckham reveals the secret use of her mother’s microwave, the diet best for a Spice girl, and the thrill of her first taste of Cristal Champagne. Ruthie's Table 4, made in partnership with Moncler.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Part Two of our ‘Best Of Season 4’  revisits guests from some of our favourite episodes.  Join Richard E. Grant, Francis Ford Coppola, Cate Blanchett, Tony Blair, Bono, Sienna Miller and Erling Kagge talking about food and memories, food and family, food and adventure and much much more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In October, I sat down at The River Cafe with director Guillermo del Toro for the first episode in a new season of Ruthie's Table 4. 40 guests later, season four has come to an end and we thought it would be fun to look back at some of those conversations. Today we'll be hearing from Guillermo, Elton John, David Furnish, Zoe Saldaña, Josh Brolin, Bella Freud, Alice Walters, and Anthony Scaramucci. Ruthie's Table 4, made in partnership with Moncler.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the final bonus episode of season 4, Benedict Cumberbatch discusses his role in The Courier, and the toll it takes on actors' health to gain and lose weight for a part. Ruthie's Table 4, made in partnership with Moncler.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Life is about connections. Rick Rubin, (season two, episode 7), invited me for dinner with Benedict Cumberbatch, where Benedict talked mostly about the food he was cooking for his children. Cary Fukunaga, (season one, episode 4) recently asked me to find a fishmonger who could teach Benedict how to fillet a sea bass for his role in the thriller Blood On Snow. JJ Abrams, (season two, episode 9) texted “Ruthie, Benedict must not be of this earth. Describing him as a limitless talent somehow feels like an understatement.” And Wes Anderson, (season three, episode 1), described Benedict as one of the great actors of our time. “He's like an Olivier or a Gielgud mixed with a DeNiro or a Hoffman”    Benedict thinks about the food he eats, the issues of sustainability, fairness, and civil liberties. He's here with me now in The River Cafe to talk about food and film, family and friends. What a connection.  Ruthie's Table 4, made in partnership with Moncler.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the bonus this week, Bono shares the River Cafe recipe for Spaghetti alla Puttanesca. He also  describes fulfilling his father's dream of performing Torna A Surriento in the Teatro di San Carlo in Naples, and reflects on how he was shaped by his father's values.  Ruthie's Table 4, made in partnership with Moncler.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Like everyone else, I know Bono through U2, his fight for social justice with his ONE campaign and (RED), his philanthropy, his strong values, his vision. I also know him as family. One of the best days we've had in The River Cafe was with Ali, his wife, his children and friends, celebrating the birthday he shares with one of my best friends, his daughter Jordan.  Today, Bono and I are going to talk about family, food, music, memories, and more. Ruthie's Table 4, made in partnership with Moncler.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this week's bonus, Alexandra Mousavizadeh remembers the food of her childhood in Denmark. She and I discuss its roots in Viking times - heavily grounded in fishing and foraging - and how this laid the foundation for Denmark as a food mecca. Ruthie's Table 4, made in partnership with Moncler.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Alexandra Mousavizadeh is my friend, and yet I have little idea how to describe what she does. This I do know: she’s an economist, an expert in game theory, and co-founded Evident in 2022 to benchmark companies on their AI performance. In Alexandra's house, the place I love most is her kitchen and the smell of an extraordinary Persian dish about to be served. Alexandra and I are here together to talk about food, technology, the future, friends, family, and not being afraid. You'll learn about this remarkable friend of mine and I will learn what in fact she does. Ruthie's Table 4, made in partnership with Moncler.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this behind-the-scenes bonus, I talk with executive chefs Sian Owen and Joseph Trivelli about the challenges and rewards of cooking for hundreds of guests to celebrate the Tate Modern's 25th birthday. We pay tribute to the tireless work of those who made it happen and reflect on grating kilos of parmesan and zesting endless lemons. Ruthie's Table 4, made in partnership with Moncler.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this bonus episode, John Lithgow recalls appearing on the celebrity edition of The Great British Bake Off, his attempt to make a Swiss roll which was deemed 'not sellable in any cake shop', as well making a Winston Churchill gingerbread man.  Ruthie's Table 4, made in partnership with Moncler.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

John Lithgow has played a cardinal, serial killer, prime minister, alien and president. But the role I know him best in is as a great friend. John is currently living in London, playing Roald Dahl in Giant to rave reviews. I’ve seen it three times.  We met at The River Cafe on Father’s Day, to talk about acting and food, theatre and food, film and food, family and food.  And of course, friendship and food. Ruthie's Table 4, made in partnership with Moncler.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this special bonus episode, I take you 'behind the scenes' with The River Cafe's executive chefs Sian Owen and Joseph Trivelli, talking about a busy Sunday lunch for Father’s Day, how to make the perfect pesto, and why DOP basil is so special. Ruthie's Table 4, made in partnership with Moncler.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From the moment Rose and I thought about doing The River Café, Rose made it clear that everything she knew, she had learned from Keith McNally, a hero of restaurants — with The Odeon, Pastis, Balthazar, Lucky Strike to name a few.   Keith is here with me today to talk about friends, family, writing a book and most of all ‘regretting almost everything’. Ruthie's Table 4, made in partnership with Moncler.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nili Lotan is not only a brilliant designer, and an entrepreneur. A woman with strong values she has held onto since starting her own fashion company, she advocates for peace, she supports women and working mothers.   She and I both believe that great design, whether food or fashion, is about simplicity, precision, and timelessness. We talk about food and architecture, food and politics, food and family, food and fashion.  Ruthie's Table 4, made in partnership with Moncler.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In The River Cafe, we like a question. One of the reasons we have an open kitchen is that everything is on view and even our customers ask for tips on how to prepare their favourite meals.  This week, Sian Wyn Owen, Joseph Trivelli and I are answering questions you have sent in. When and what to eat, our favourite seasons and much more. Ruthie's Table 4, made in partnership with Moncler.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Looking at all the work Graydon Carter has done over the years, what it would be like to be one of his creations?  As Spy magazine, I'd be fearless, funny, ahead of my time, radical and brave. Were I Vanity Fair, I'd be glamorous and erudite. Say I was his restaurant, The Waverly Inn, I'd be delicious, nestled in a beautiful corner of Greenwich Village. As Airmail, I would fly through the air every week, telling everyone what they need to know.  And were I one of his five children or his beautiful wife Anna, I'd know what it feels like to be the focus of Graydon’s life.   As for his newly published memoir, When The Going Was Good, I'd be unputdownable and number five on the New York Times bestseller list.  But I would trade any of these just to be Graydon's friend, and that is what I am.  Ruthie's Table 4, made in partnership with Moncler.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this week's bonus, Anthony Scaramucci compares the challenges involved at his restaurant Hunt & Fish Club with Ruthie's at The River Cafe. Plus, he shares some of the items on the underground menu, including the secret meatballs. Ruthie's Table 4, made in partnership with Moncler.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In my career, I've been a chef, an author and now a podcaster. In Anthony Scaramucci’s career, he’s been Communication Director in the White House, a financial genius, founding Sky Capital, and the host of the podcast The Rest is Politics: US.   We’ve both had our ups and downs. His may have been higher ups and maybe downer downs, but we're not here to compete. We're here to talk about food, politics, family and memories. To date, I've only spent about 10 minutes with Anthony, but it doesn't feel that way. For me, the night we met in The River Cafe was an immediate connection. How lucky am I to have him here today? How lucky am I to share stories? Ruthie's Table 4, made in partnership with Moncler.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this bonus episode, Cate Blanchett and Ruthie reflect on the similarities between a theatre performance and a restaurant kitchen. Ruthie's Table 4, made in partnership with Moncler.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

People ask me who my dream guest would be on Ruthie‘s Table 4. Cate Blanchett has always been top of the list - an actor, director and vocal activist for values and ideas close to my heart.   Cate lives with purpose in the countryside in East Sussex, keeping bees, growing vegetables in her garden, cooking and eating seasonally.   Here we are at The River Cafe on the beautiful first day of summer weather. The sun is shining, the chefs are cooking and the garden is flowering. Cate and I are going to talk about our shared love of food, family and art. As a special treat, I even asked her to bring a bottle of Toku, the saké brand for whom she is creative director, and get to sample what makes it so special. A dream come true indeed.  Made in partnership with Moncler.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dana Strong, CEO of Sky Group, is one of the busiest people I know. One of the most powerful people in global media, she leads a team of thousands across news, sport, film, and television. But somehow, Dana always makes time for talking, friendship, her family, and for me. One of the most special things for me is breakfast with Dana at my home, at the kitchen table, sharing toast, coffee and stories. Our mutual friend Tim Davies, Director General of the BBC, told me this morning that she's a rare American who truly gets the Brits. He says she has a European soul. Today we're together at the River Cafe. I'm sure it's a busy day for her, and it is kind of busy for me too. But for now, I have all the time in the world to spend with this woman I adore, I respect, and I love. Made in partnership with Moncler.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When I think of Richard E. Grant, of course I think of his brilliant films and him as a great actor. But what I really think of is Richard and his wife Joan in the early days of The River Cafe. They were married a year before the restaurant opened and lived right across the river, coming in for lunch, always sitting at the same table, warm, lovely and absorbed in each other.  I remember their daughter Olivia being born a few years later and them bringing her in as a baby, when the restaurant was still small and starting up, just like her. Now, over thirty years later, Richard and I share something else in common: the loss of the partner we loved. We are in The River Cafe again to talk about the joy of family, food, friendship, and most of all, the joy of love.  Made in partnership with Moncler.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Alison Loehnis and I have much in common — we’re two American women living abroad, we both adore the small seaside towns of Liguria, and we share a favourite bookstore: Heywood Hill in Mayfair.  Alison grew up in Manhattan with a mother who was a passionate cook. She discovered the joy of food and fashion early on—licking brownie spoons next to her mother and elegantly accessorising her school uniform.  She channelled her ambition into a dynamic career spanning Saatchi & Saatchi, Disney, LVMH, and now YOOX NET-A-PORTER.  Today, Alison and I are here at Table 4 to talk fashion, leadership, balancing work and family—and, of course, food in our lives and the memories we share. Made in partnership with Moncler.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One of the questions I’m often asked is where and when did you meet Sir Jony Ive, the person whose designs changed the world? We met at the White House at a spectacular state dinner when Barack Obama was president and hope was in the air. It was the beginning of one of the most important friendships I have.  Jony’s designs for Apple with Steve Jobs transformed the way we live. On my wrist is the Apple Watch, counting my steps and checking my heartbeat. Today, my friend is not 5,000 miles away but here in The River Cafe next to me, as close as can be. Made in partnership with Moncler.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A few months ago, my friend David Chipperfield, the Pritzker and Stirling Prize-winning architect, asked me to support the work his foundation is doing on the food markets in Galicia. So here I am, in north-west Spain, to talk with him in front of an audience for a special live event. David's introduction to Galicia was 33 years ago on a visit to Corrubedo, a small seaside village, where he and his wife Evelyn created a home. Now they have a small bar in the middle of the village. David is as passionate about Galicia's farm-to-table culture as he is about its people. For him, it's all part of the same conversation.  Conversation that I am so excited and grateful to be having here with him in Casa Ria.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 2018, the River Cafe opened a second restaurant at the Frieze Art Fair in Regent’s Park. It was only for a few days and not something we would think of doing, but we said yes for three reasons. Because art is food and food is art. Because Frieze is the greatest art fair in the world. And most of all, because of our friendship and deep admiration for the founders, Amanda Sharp and Matthew Slotover. Friends of Amanda will tell you she is curious about the world and the people around her. She says that art is like cooking, making something incredible out of basic ingredients. Today, I'm the one who will be curious about Amanda as we talk about food and memories, artists and chefs, and much more. Ruthie's Table 4, made in partnership with Moncler.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this bonus episode, writer-director Rian Johnson tells Ruthie about the time he infused ice cream with tobacco, as well as debating the ultimate chocolate chip cookie recipe.  Ruthie's Table 4, made in partnership with Moncler.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

My friend Glenn Close brought Rian Johnson to the River Cafe when they were filming Wake Up Dead Man, the third Knives Out movie. For the rest of the summer, he was what we call a regular. Yesterday, sending me photos of her new grandson, these were Glenn’s words: ‘Working with Rian is the highlight of my career. He wrote a great script, cast an amazing stable of actors and set us on a sublime adventure together. Rian is a master storyteller who makes work both serious and wildly fun. I am honoured to call him a friend’. In today’s episode, Rian and I are here at the River Cafe to talk about family and friends, movies and food, his father's influence on his career, and his earliest film memory: being put in the car to see Star Wars, aged five. It's going to be serious and, hopefully, wildly fun. Ruthie's Table 4, made in partnership with Moncler.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this bonus episode, record-setting ocean rower Angus Collins talks about salsa verde, the emotional toll after completing a crossing, and the food he looks forward to most when stepping back on dry land. Ruthie's Table 4, made in partnership with Moncler.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Angus Collins has been hailed as the greatest ocean rower of our time, setting records for the fastest and youngest four man crossing of any ocean. He's rowed across the Atlantic not once, but twice, and faster than anyone before him. And he's not finished yet. In a few months, Angus is aiming to be the first to row solo and unsupported around Great Britain. But today he isn't going anywhere. He's here at the River Cafe to talk about endurance, motivation, mental health, his love for the sea, and the food which sustains him there. He's my friend. I'm excited. Let's explore. Find out more about Angus' charity work at www.gbodyssey.com Ruthie's Table 4, made in partnership with Moncler.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this bonus episode of Ruthie's Table 4, BAFTA-winning and Oscar-nominated director Luca Guadagnino discusses pasta and the diversity of Italian food from different regions. Ruthie's Table 4, made in partnership with Moncler.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What I know about Luca Guadagnino is, of course, the films he's made. But what I know from Luca is how passionate he is about food. Friends tell me Luca has three kitchens at his home in Piemonte, including one elaborately equipped for pastries, and a special room for keeping vinegar and dried herbs from his garden.  Food not only plays a strong role in his home life, but an important role in his films, conveying sensuous desire and transformation. We're here today, in the one kitchen I have in my home, to talk about food, memories, film and family. A beginning to a new friendship, one cook to another. Ruthie's Table 4, made in partnership with Moncler.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Whenever I'm with Bella Freud, which isn't often enough, I always wish I could see more of her. Bella and I share the same social values and beliefs, and we pursued careers which are both fleeting but lasting: She is in fashion, and I'm in food. A meal is a moment, and an outfit changes daily.  In our early years, Bella's father, Lucian Freud, came almost every day to The River Cafe. When with Bella, we were told never to interrupt, as this was their precious time. Now when Bella comes with her friends, I always wish I could whisk her away and have her all to myself.  Today, on Table 4, I finally do. Ruthie's Table 4, made in partnership with Moncler.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

People often say they'd be too nervous to cook a meal for me, so imagine how I feel interviewing Alastair Campbell, co-host of The Rest Is Politics, one of the UK's top podcasts.  Alistair is a journalist, author, broadcaster, and defining political figure of our time. I've known him since the early days of New Labour, where he was Director of Communications and Strategy at the heart of it all. He's also been a prominent mental health activist and joins me today in The River Cafe to talk about food, family, values, and even busking in the south of France with his bagpipes. How do I really feel about hosting him today? I'm not nervous at all, just honoured and excited. Ruthie's Table 4, made in partnership with Moncler.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Oscars are only a few days away and Ruthie’s Table 4 is excited. Ralph Fiennes, Zoe Saldaña and Elton John - three Ruthie’s Table 4 guests - are nominated for Academy Awards, and we’re revisiting their interviews in this episode. Ralph is nominated for Best Actor in a Leading Role for his brilliant performance in Conclave. Elton for Best Original Song for ‘Never Too Late’ from the documentary about his life of the same name. Zoe Saldaña is nominated for Best Actress in a Supporting Role for her magnetic performance in the musical Emilia Pérez. Ruthie's Table 4, made in partnership with Moncler.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Erling Kagge is one of the world's great explorers - a man whose life embraces solitude. That is, when he‘s not being attacked by a polar bear… thankfully, he lived to tell the tale. He is the first person to reach, by foot, the North Pole, South Pole, and Mount Everest. Erling and my life might be dissimilar, but we share a love for the unknown. For him, it might be a new horizon. For me, a discovery of a little-known Sicilian recipe. Today, we're here on our own adventure, not on the top of a mountain or in the icy North Pole, but safe and warm in the River Cafe. Ruthie's Table 4, made in partnership with Moncler.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In Francis Ford Coppola (Part 2), we discuss the origins of pizza, his experience eating lambs’ brain as a child, and how a loophole during America’s prohibition led to Francis buying the Inglenook winery with his earnings from The Godfather. We both bought in bottles of his wine to taste - a lovely way to begin and to continue a conversation. Ruthie's Table 4, made in partnership with Moncler.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When Francis Ford Coppola agreed to do a podcast with me, good friends who know us both said “actually Ruthie, the two of you are rather alike”. Did they mean being a Chef is like being a Film Director? Or producing a movie is like running a restaurant? Or is choosing the grapes for your vineyard is like choosing the herbs for your fish? Or most of all, did they mean we both have our family involved in everything we do? I'm happy to take any of the above. In part one of my conversation with Francis, we talk about the vocabulary gangsters use when cooking, meeting an aspiring young filmmaker called George Lucas, the pain of losing our sons far too young - and everything in between. Also… in a first for the podcast, we even find time for a musical break - and sing a duet of the Howdy Doody theme song. Ruthie's Table 4, made in partnership with Moncler.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this bonus episode of Ruthie's Table 4, Golden Globe-winning actress Zoe Saldaña discusses her love for New York - a melting pot of different foods and cultures. Ruthie's Table 4, made in partnership with Moncler.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A couple of months ago I discovered a sign on the door to my office, saying ‘Do not disturb.’ Zoe Saldana was inside, changing into her dress for lunch downstairs to celebrate the release of her new movie, Emilia Pérez. Afterwards I walked her to her car, talking about how to make the perfect rice. A few minutes later, we'd agreed to do a podcast together. Since then, I've seen her everywhere, on screens and newspapers, magazines and posters. Last month she won a Golden Globe, and in February and March she’s a contender for both a BAFTA and an Oscar. Now, Zoe is back here with me on a Saturday morning in The River Cafe, to talk about food, family, and happiness.   Ruthie's Table 4, made in partnership with Moncler.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What can a lunch tell you about a colleague, or a job candidate? In this bonus episode, Founder and Editor of Tortoise Media, James Harding, discusses the power of the working lunch. Ruthie's Table 4, made in partnership in Moncler.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Around the table with friends we were talking about the kind of movies we like best. My vote was for movies about journalism — His Girl Friday, Broadcast News, The Insider, All the President's Men. I don’t need to watch a movie to see my favourite journalist, I just call James Harding — the youngest ever editor of The Times, Washington editor of the Financial Times, and head of BBC News. In 2018 he founded Tortoise, an online news platform, with the principle of responsible, deep journalism. Slow news in the age of high-speed information. James and I speak often about what’s happening in the world, our families, what he’s writing, where he’s going and a lot more. Today we’re in The River Cafe to talk about food and memories. Two friends, a journalist and a cook together. That’s what I call news.   Ruthie's Table 4, made in partnership with Moncler.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When the great filmmakers Greta Gerwig and Noah Baumbach wrote to say they were moving to London for a year, we decided to meet for Sunday lunch with their son in The River Cafe. After that first lunch we made a date for the following Sunday, and the next one. Soon they became a tradition. Today, Noah, Greta and I are here in The River Cafe to talk about food and life, food and friendship, and the beautiful movies they've made for all of us — Barbie, Little Women, The Squid and the Whale, and Marriage Story. And after our conversation, we will have lunch, together. Now that's tradition.   Ruthie's Table 4, made in partnership with Moncler.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.