

Ruthie's Table 4
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.
For more information, recipes, and ingredients, go to https://shoptherivercafe.co.uk/
Web: https://rivercafe.co.uk/
Instagram: www.instagram.com/therivercafelondon/
Facebook: https://en-gb.facebook.com/therivercafelondon/
For more podcasts from iHeartRadio, visit the iheartradio app, apple podcasts, or wherever you listen to your favorite shows.
Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
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.
For more information, recipes, and ingredients, go to https://shoptherivercafe.co.uk/
Web: https://rivercafe.co.uk/
Instagram: www.instagram.com/therivercafelondon/
Facebook: https://en-gb.facebook.com/therivercafelondon/
For more podcasts from iHeartRadio, visit the iheartradio app, apple podcasts, or wherever you listen to your favorite shows.
Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 16, 2025 • 18min
Bonus Episode - Adam Gopnik on James Carville and America's Future
Ruthie chats with Adam Gopnik about the shifting political landscape as the inauguration approaches. They delve into James Carville's influential role in American campaigns and the importance of connecting with voters. The conversation highlights how non-traditional politics and a chaotic leadership style affect public perception. Amidst the serious topics, they also touch on the comfort food that keeps spirits up during turbulent times. Finally, small acts of kindness in community service are celebrated for their profound impact on society.

Jan 14, 2025 • 36min
James Carville - Featuring Emily Maitlis and Jon Sopel
James Carville, the legendary political strategist known for his role in Bill Clinton's campaigns, shares captivating stories from his Southern upbringing and his new film, 'Carville: Winning is Everything, Stupid.' Joined by Emily Maitlis and Jon Sopel, they dive into the charm and camaraderie necessary in politics and share a unique love story across rival political lines. The trio also explores how communal meals and Southern cuisine reflect personal histories and cultural ties, adding humor and warmth to their political discussions.

Jan 7, 2025 • 41min
Josh Brolin
Josh Brolin, renowned actor and author of 'From Under the Truck,' shares captivating stories from his diverse life, including his early days as a 14-year-old chef. He reflects on the strong ties between food and family, illustrating how cooking is a medium for love and memory. The conversation dives into his colorful upbringing in Paso Robles and humorous kitchen anecdotes that connect acting with culinary experiences. Brolin also fondly recalls the nostalgic flavors of banoffee, intertwining his culinary journey with personal emotions.

Jan 2, 2025 • 7min
Bonus Episode - Roasting with Sienna Miller
Join an engaging discussion about the cherished Sunday roast tradition in Britain, where family bonds are strengthened over delicious meals. Discover the secrets of mastering roast beef and chicken, along with tips for creating a rich, flavorful gravy from the drippings. Explore unique recipes, including an Italian pork dish cooked in milk, and hear heartwarming cooking stories that bring family recipes to life. It's a delightful dive into the culinary art that keeps family connections alive!

10 snips
Dec 31, 2024 • 37min
Sienna Miller
Sienna Miller, an acclaimed actress and fashion designer, shares her culinary passion and family traditions. She recounts nostalgic memories of cooking, revealing her favorite recipe for pizza bianca with artichokes and teleggio. The conversation highlights the bittersweet nature of fame, discussing media intrusion and its psychological impacts. Sienna reflects on the comfort food provides during tough times and the importance of relationships in navigating personal challenges. Her stories blend humor and resilience, showing a deep connection between food and identity.

Dec 25, 2024 • 16min
Holiday Special
Join Sian Wyn Owen and Joseph Trivelli, executive chefs at The River Cafe, as they share their festive culinary wisdom. They dive into the joys of holiday cooking, from dry-brining turkey to creating a mouthwatering goose with brandy and tomatoes. Expect insights into unique Christmas traditions, the delightful chaos of past holiday feasts, and the nostalgia of cherished family recipes. The chefs also highlight the importance of emotional gifts and family connections in celebrating the season.

Dec 24, 2024 • 34min
Ian McKellen
Ian McKellen, the celebrated British actor known for his iconic roles in Shakespeare and 'Lord of the Rings,' shares fascinating insights from his life. He reflects on nostalgic wartime memories intertwined with food and family, emphasizing the impact of simple meals on identity. McKellen discusses his early acting experiences at Cambridge and the complexities of navigating personal relationships. He also reminisces about culinary adventures while filming in New Zealand, showcasing how food and friendship flourished on set.

4 snips
Dec 19, 2024 • 6min
Bonus Episode - The Art of Learning with Saoirse Ronan and Greta Gerwig
Saoirse Ronan and Greta Gerwig dive into the art of learning with a focus on confidence and self-acceptance. They reflect on the importance of celebrating small victories and confronting fears while stepping out of comfort zones. The conversation highlights how cooking parallels creativity, linking recipes to scripts and showcasing how culinary skills can enhance artistic expression. Emphasizing a positive mindset, they explore the journey of mastering new skills, advocating for embracing imperfections along the way.

27 snips
Dec 17, 2024 • 39min
Saoirse Ronan - featuring Greta Gerwig
Saoirse Ronan, an award-winning actress known for her roles in 'Atonement' and 'Lady Bird', joins director Greta Gerwig for a heartwarming conversation. They explore the connection between cooking and cultural identity, sharing nostalgic stories from their Irish heritage. Saoirse reveals her favorite family recipes and the emotional significance of meals. The duo reflects on indulgent past eating habits, friendship dynamics, and the impact of comfort food. Their banter adds a delightful touch, making it a feast for both the mind and soul.

12 snips
Dec 10, 2024 • 36min
Adam Gopnik
Adam Gopnick, an acclaimed writer and longtime contributor to The New Yorker, dives deep into the culinary world, recalling his experiences with Julia Child's influence on American cooking. He shares heartfelt stories of friendship, food, and culture, emphasizing how shared meals shape our lives. Gopnick discusses the artistry of chefs who balance creativity with customer satisfaction and reflects on how food unites us during challenging times, highlighting its role in cultural exchange.