The first time I met Josh Brolin was here at The River Cafe, and there was an instant connection between us. Josh is a storyteller, and I sat there listening as he described what it was like to be a 14-year-old chef in an Italian restaurant, and acting in No Country for Old Men, Milk, and most recently Knives Out.

Josh is back in The River Cafe today to talk about his beautiful memoir, From Under the Truck, memories of a vivid childhood, and the way food and love for his family sustains him.

Ruthie's Table 4, made in partnership with Moncler

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In this bonus helping of Ruthie's Table 4, Sienna and Ruthie discuss the art of the Sunday roast — a sacred ritual in Sienna's life.

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Everyone knows Sienna Miller—not just as an actress and a fashion designer, but also as a brave combatant who stood up against a powerful media empire. At The River Cafe, we know her as a fabulous eater. Always here with a big table, always with children, always sharing.

On this episode of Ruthie's Table 4, I’m here with Sienna for a conversation about food, family and bravery.

Ruthie's Table 4, made in partnership with Moncler.

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Happy holidays to all of our listeners, we thank you so much for your responses and for your support.

As a present for you, we’ve made this podcast with Sian Wyn Owen and Joseph Trivelli, the executive chefs at The River Cafe. We’ll take you inside the world of The River Cafe during this special time of year, and answer some of your festive cooking questions.

Ruthie’s Table 4, made in partnership with @me_andem

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I’m often asked about the inspiration for Ruthie’s Table 4. The answer is easy. Two words — Ian McKellen.

For some years, Richard and I invited actors to perform at our home. Ian ended his performance with a reading of a recipe for Ribollita, a traditional Tuscan soup. Compelling as any sonnet, we were all spellbound.

Ian is known to everyone as different characters — Macbeth, King Lear, Gandalf. I think of him as one character, inspiring, kind and brave. For this podcast, we went to his beautiful house overlooking the Thames. A morning and a conversation I shall always remember.

Ruthie’s Table 4, made in partnership with @me_andem

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Acting, directing, cooking. In this candid conversation, Saoirse, Greta and Ruthie explore their personal approaches to learning, and mastering their own confidence.

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The other week, the director Greta Gerwig sat at my table, describing the unique experience of working with Saoirse Ronan — ‘Ruthie, you have to meet her.’

In a way, I feel like I’ve already met Saoirse through the intimacy of her award-winning performances in 'Atonement', 'Lady Bird' and 'Brooklyn', and her forthright interviews. Now, the three of us are here together at The River Cafe in person — Saoirse, Greta and I. We’re talking about food and cooking, Ireland, Saoirse’s garden, learning to eat spaghetti and much, much more.

Ruthie's Table 4 is made in partnership with Me+Em.

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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.

Ruthie's Table 4, made in partnership with Me+Em

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