Ruthie's Table 4
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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Latest episodes
Jul 17, 2025 • 8min
(Bonus episode) Bono reads the recipe for Spaghetti alla Puttanesca and shares how his father influenced him
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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jul 14, 2025 • 41min
Bono shares food memories from early life, recalls bringing politicians together to break bread, and even sings Amazing Grace.
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.
Jul 9, 2025 • 5min
(Bonus Episode) Alexandra Mousavizadeh remembers traditional Danish cuisine
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.
Jul 7, 2025 • 42min
Alexandra Mousavizadeh on AI opportunities, losing a finger and Persian cuisine
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.
Jul 5, 2025 • 20min
(Bonus Episode) Catering for 700 at the Tate Modern's 25th anniversary
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.
Jul 2, 2025 • 4min
(Bonus Episode) John Lithgow on his Great British Bake Off appearance
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.
Jun 30, 2025 • 36min
John Lithgow discusses playing Roald Dahl, appearing on Bake Off - and sings with Ruthie
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.
Jun 25, 2025 • 16min
(Bonus Episode) Behind the scenes at The River Cafe over Father's Day
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.
Jun 23, 2025 • 31min
Keith McNally on meeting Rose Gray, problem-solving at Balthazar, and SNL parties
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.
Jun 16, 2025 • 35min
Nili Lotan on the five key pieces at her fashion company, her grandmother’s recipe book, and working for Ralph Lauren
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.
