Ruthie's Table 4

In this bonus episode of Ruthie's Table 4, actor Peter Sarsgaard explains the joys of beekeeping, as well as the challenges of protecting his hives from hungry bears. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

 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 gara...

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/@Rut...

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 abo...

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...

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...

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...

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/Table4AtRiverCafeBook See 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 envis...

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 info...

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/Table4AtRiverCafeBook See omnystud...

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/Table4AtRiverCafeBook See omn...

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/Table4AtRiverCafeBook See 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/Table4AtRive...

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/Table4AtRiverCafeBook See omnystudio....

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/Table4AtRiverCafeBook See omnystudio.com/listener for priv...

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/Table4AtRiverCafeBook See omn...

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/Table4AtRiverCafeBook See omnystudio.com/listener for priv...

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.