
Open Book with Anthony Scaramucci What Food Teaches Us About Being Human (featuring Austin Butler) - Ruthie Rogers
Nov 11, 2025
Join Ruth Rogers, the Michelin-starred chef and owner of London's River Café, as she dives into the rich tapestry of food and community. Discover how restaurants serve as vital social hubs and the magic of spontaneous connections lost during the pandemic. Ruth shares her journey from a sixth table to culinary stardom, emphasizing simplicity and generosity in Italian cuisine. She reflects on hospitality's power to unite, her love of cooking for notable figures, and her latest projects, including her podcast and a unique lemon cookbook.
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Humble Beginnings Of The River Cafe
- Ruth Rogers told how the River Cafe began as a tiny community restaurant in 1987 run by two women with minimal experience.
- They bought used equipment, squeezed six tables into a warehouse space, and grew it slowly into a Michelin-worthy restaurant.
Why Italian Food Resonates Globally
- Ruth Rogers says Italian food succeeds because it honors local, seasonal ingredients and keeps preparations simple.
- That simplicity preserves ingredient integrity and fosters generosity and communal sharing.
Practice Less-Is-More On The Plate
- Ruth Rogers follows a "less is more" approach and often removes components when designing a dish.
- Try simplifying plates by removing one element to sharpen flavors and improve clarity.

