Ruthie's Table 4

I know Peter Sarsgaard as an incredible actor from films and series such as 'Dopesick', 'Shattered Glass', 'The Batman', and most recently, 'The Bride' - a film made by his wife, Maggie Gyllenhaal. I also know him as a friend. Today, he's here at the River Cafe, to talk about childhood memories of eating crawdads in Mississippi, hearing his daughter play Tchaikovsky, growing corn outside his garage, and the importance of performance. Preorder Table 4 at The River Cafe—the star-studded, food-filled book inspired by the beloved podcast: https://bit.ly/Table4AtRiverCafeBookSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mayor Daniel Lurie understands what makes a great city. This episode was recorded in his office in the City Hall of San Francisco. We're here to talk about the role of food, memories of his grandmother's meatballs, the diversity of San Francisco's restaurants, and why he thinks he has the best job in politics. Watch this episode, and the rest of the series, on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RuthiesTable4Pod Preorder Table 4 at The River Cafe—the star-studded, food-filled book inspired by the beloved podcast: https://bit.ly/Table4AtRiverCafeBookSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For over 20 years as the head of Qatar Museums, Her Excellency Sheikha Al-Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani has transformed the nation's artistic landscape through landmark institutions such as The Museum of Islamic Art and the National Museum of Qatar. Her work has profoundly influenced the culture and global identity of the Middle East. Today, she’s here at The River Cafe to talk about her own vision of museums, her childhood memories of cooking in the desert, the cuisine of her region , and how she views food and art, food and culture, food and family. Watch this episode, and the rest of the series, on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RuthiesTable4PodSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Executive chefs Sian Wyn Owen and Joseph Trivelli take us behind the scenes of The River Cafe on Valentine’s Day - how they choose the menus, how to cook their perfect Valentine’s dishes, romantic décor, proposals, and more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

My friend Wes Anderson is the director of so many wonderful movies: Rushmore, The French Dispatch, The Grand Budapest Hotel to name a few - and most recently The Phoenician Scheme. Today though, we are sitting in, not watching , Wes's latest work, The House on Utopia Parkway, curated with Jasper Sharp. This is a beautiful recreation of the studio of Joseph Cornell now showing  at the Gagosian Gallery in Paris. There is a strong connection between the curator and the artist, and Wes and I will talk about creating intriguing art, cooking delicious food, and making extraordinary movies. Watch this episode, and the rest of the series, on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RuthiesTable4PodSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Emerald Fennell is a director (‘Promising Young Woman’ and ‘Saltburn’), actor (Camilla in ‘The Crown’), writer (‘Killing Eve’), and my friend. Now, we are all waiting breathlessly for her latest film, Wuthering Heights, which she has produced, written and directed. Today, we’re together to discuss the importance of food in her movies, memories of fish and chips with her parents, the joy of cookies from her children, and much more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Andrew Jarecki is a landmark figure in documentary filmmaking. His works include Capturing the Friedmans, The Jinx, and most recently the Academy Award-nominated The Alabama Solution, which explores the brutal reality of Alabama’s prison system through unprecedented, inmate-captured footage. In this episode, Andrew joins Ruthie to talk how his childhood passion for magic led to his first documentary, relocating to Rome and rediscovering Italian food, and the importance of finding optimism in his films. Preorder Table 4 at The River Cafe—the star-studded, food-filled book inspired by the beloved podcast: https://bit.ly/Table4AtRiverCafeBookSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new year, a new wood oven, and the return of agretti and blood oranges to The River Cafe. Preorder Table 4 at The River Cafe—the star-studded, food-filled book inspired by the beloved podcast: https://bit.ly/Table4AtRiverCafeBookSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jeremy King is London’s most influential and important restaurateur. If, as I firmly believe, restaurants are crucial to the life of a city, Jeremy is crucial to this one. He created Le Caprice, The Ivy, The Wolseley, now The Park and The Arlington. In March he will open Simpsons In The Strand. Today, he and I are going to talk about how it all began, how he remembers the past and envisions the future, the ingredients of a great restaurant, and most of all, his brilliant new book – Without Reservation: Lessons from a Life in Restaurants.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Live onstage in Los Angeles, Laurene talks to Ed and Ruthie about the creative process behind their new book, Squeeze Me. Packed with fifty inventive recipes, the book casts the lemon as the star of sweet and savoury dishes alike. Order here: https://bit.ly/Table4AtRiverCafeBook Originally recorded on Sunday, 7th December 2025 by Live Talks Los Angeles.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former Prime Minister Gordon Brown joins Ruthie to share memories of his childhood in Scotland, accidentally hosting a burglar in the family home, the highs and lows of hospital food, and his work today on global education and poverty. Preorder Table 4 at The River Cafe—the star-studded, food-filled book inspired by the beloved podcast: https://bit.ly/Table4AtRiverCafeBookSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gabriela and Ruthie discuss their experiences of setting up a business, and the importance of investing in staff.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Uruguayan-born luxury fashion designer Gabriela Hearst talks to Ruthie about running her family’s 17,000-acre ranch, the importance of sustainability and natural materials in her work, and her passion for food both at home and abroad. Preorder Table 4 at The River Cafe—the star-studded, food-filled book inspired by the beloved podcast: https://bit.ly/Table4AtRiverCafeBookSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ruthie is joined by Sian Owen and Joseph Trivelli, the River Cafe executive chefs, to talk about her latest book Squeeze Me, a collaboration with Ed Ruscha, celebrating lemons with photographs and River Cafe recipes. Order here: https://bit.ly/Table4AtRiverCafeBookSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One of the most influential portrait photographers of the last century Annie Leibovitz sits down with Ruthie to talk about her early career at Rolling Stone, the importance of feeding the people she’s shooting, and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. Preorder Table 4 at The River Cafe—the star-studded, food-filled book inspired by the beloved podcast: https://bit.ly/Table4AtRiverCafeBookSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rashida reflects on her father's nocturnal lifestyle, synesthesia and music writing habits.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Actor, writer and producer Rashida Jones joins Ruthie to discuss her childhood mealtimes in a house with six siblings, her mother’s love of chicken liver and matzo ball soup, and the joy of eating while living in Japan.   Preorder Table 4 at The River Cafe—the star-studded, food-filled book inspired by the beloved podcast: https://bit.ly/Table4AtRiverCafeBookSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this bonus episode of Ruthie’s Table 4, we’re talking Christmas at The River Cafe, with our executive chefs Sian Wyn Owen and Joseph Trivelli. What’s on the menu this December? How do we make it, and why do we love it? All this, and stories of Dada’s Christmas Cake. Merry Christmas!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pulitzer Prize-winning writer, critic and curator Hilton Als speaks to Ruthie about his eccentric jet-lag snacking, the 1980s New York food scene, and curating the Jean Rhys exhibition at Michael Werner Gallery. Preorder Table 4 at The River Cafe—the star-studded, food-filled book inspired by the beloved podcast: https://bit.ly/Table4AtRiverCafeBookSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dame Jacinda Ardern reflects on how she became Prime Minister of New Zealand in unexpected circumstances, the challenges of governing through COVID, and the importance of dignity within the welfare system.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The former Prime Minister of New Zealand and one of the world’s youngest female leaders Dame Jacinda Ardern talks to Ruthie about becoming a mother in office, her food experiences in London and Arizona, and governing with compassion. Preorder Table 4 at The River Cafe—the star-studded, food-filled book inspired by the beloved podcast: https://bit.ly/Table4AtRiverCafeBookSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Writer and filmmaker Noah Baumbach joins Ruthie to talk about the role of food in his latest film Jay Kelly, which stars George Clooney as a world-famous actor reflecting on his life, relationships, and legacy, trying to make sense of his past and his present.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Journalist, broadcaster and ‘America’s best friend' Gayle King joins Ruthie to talk about the Turkish food that shaped her childhood, the origins of her 50-year friendship with Oprah, and the unexpected joy of singing in space with Katy Perry. Preorder Table 4 at The River Cafe - the book inspired by the podcast: https://bit.ly/Table4AtRiverCafeBookSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One of the world’s most influential and innovative designers Marc Newson joins Ruthie to talk about growing up in rural Australia, designing everything from furniture and watches to restaurants in Japan, and his perfect barbecued steak.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I’m often asked who would be my dream guest on Ruthie’s Table 4, and this episode with Vice President Kamala Harris is top of the list. Vice President of The United States, candidate for President, Kamala Harris is passionate about food, and an excellent cook. She gives us her special recipes for Thanksgiving collard greens, her mother's Smorgasbord and her 'world famous' bolognese. We discuss the politics of food, the joy of food and expressing love through food - a dream come true. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Marina, Richard and Ruthie discuss the secret to hosting a good dinner party, Marina's love for schnitzel, and how their podcast 'The Rest Is Entertainment' began.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mark is a musician, producer, DJ and now an author, with his memoir Night People: How to Be a DJ in 90s New York City, a moving account of his childhood and early days.  He and Ruthie talk together about how DJ’ing a club night is like being a chef, how cooking a curry is like composing a track, how running a restaurant is like running a rave, and much much more. Ruthie’s Table 4, in collaboration with ME&EM - intelligent style for busy women.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.  Originally recorded in 2024.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Adam Gopnik is a brilliant mind. An acclaimed writer, essayist and commentator; he's authored nine books, and has written for The New Yorker for nearly forty years, to which he's contributed non-fiction, fiction, memoir and criticism. I've been lucky enough to share 34 years of friendship with Adam, and in that time, we've never stopped cooking, and sharing our passion for food. Today, we're talking about family, the world, and of course, eating. Originally recorded in 2024.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I first met Olivia over food one night in The River Cafe, she was with Maggie Gyllenhaal and they had just wrapped filming for their movie The Lost Daughter in Greece. It is not an exaggeration to say they pretty much ordered everything on the menu. We immediately got into talking about feeding our kids, cooking, and inflicted distance from family when working. This was a conversation that could have lasted for hours, but I had to go back to the kitchen and she needed to finish her lemon pasta before it cooled down. Today we are here in The River Cafe and she is the one cooking the lemon pasta. We are going to pick up where we left off—a conversation with a woman I admire, respect and adore. Lucky me. Originally recorded in 2023.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The mysterious world of professional foraging, roasting the perfect porcini, and our favourite dishes for newcomers to mushrooms. With Ruthie Rogers, Sian Owen and Joseph Trivelli. Ruthie's Table 4, made in partnership with Moncler.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.