When I’m asked why I love Mexico, the answer is the culture, cities, food, the seas, the mountains, and the history. But what I really love most are the people, and Frida Escobedo is one of those people.

A prominent architect in today’s world, Frida is reimagining the contemporary and modern galleries at New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art, the first woman architect ever to be appointed to do so. From reinventing the world-renowned Centre Pompidou in Paris to designing the Serpentine Gallery’s annual Summer Pavilion, Frida’s unique vision now influences many of the most iconic architectural landmarks of our time.

Today, in The River Cafe, we’re making deep-fried zucchini flowers—their stunning colours remind me of our beautiful Mexico, and when she’s not with me, they remind me Frida.

Ruthie’s Table 4 is made in partnership with Moncler.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Every year must be an anniversary for someone like Maria Sharapova, who hit her first tennis ball at the age of four, was spotted by Martina Navratilova age six, and became one of only ten women in history to win a career Grand Slam when she was 25.

But this year is especially special. Maria is celebrating 20 years since winning against Serena Williams on Centre Court, becoming, at just 17, Wimbledon Champion.

Today we are here at The River Cafe to celebrate - two women talking about food and memories, with stories to tell.

Ruthie’s Table 4 is made in partnership with Moncler.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It was in our private dining room three years ago when I wrote to Ridley Scott asking if he’d be the first guest for a podcast idea I’d had about food and memories.

Ridley wrote back saying, ‘Yes Ruthie but I’m directing Gucci.’

A year later, ‘Yes Ruthie but I’m directing Napoleon.’

A year later, ‘Yes Ruthie but I’m directing The Bee Gees.’

Then a few days ago, whilst sitting in the River Cafe garden with his family, he drew a beautiful drawing on the wine list with the words: ‘Ruthie, how about next Tuesday?’

Ruthie’s Table 4 is made in partnership with Moncler.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Quite often, people say to me, ‘I couldn’t possibly have you to dinner, you’re the chef of the river café, cooking for you would be overwhelming.’ That’s how I feel about introducing Sir David Hare. How do you write for one of the greatest writers of our generation? Whether he's scripting acclaimed plays like Skylight, Plenty, Stuff Happens, or movies like The White Crow, Denial, or The Reader, David is nothing short of a master of the written word.

But I do think David and I have much in common. We both like being hosts; me, in The River Cafe, and David at his home, where he understands the theatre of sitting at a table. We both know that if food brings a table to life, so do the people around it.

Today, we are here together in the River Cafe to talk about food, memories, theatre, travel and more. It would be natural to feel overwhelmed, but David makes it easy, and I just feel delighted, and lucky, to have him here.

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tina Fey has been on Ruthie's Table 4 before and she is, in fact, our first returning guest.

When we first met, she spoke about food being a major part of her life, but she only brought one half of her team. The other half, Jeff Richmond, is here with us now. A composer, producer, director, Jeff is Tina's creative partner, and he's her husband. He says he does all the cooking.

Tina and Jeff have collaborated on almost everything, and now they're here in London to open the Mean Girls Musical at the Savoy theatre. I will be there on opening night.

Today we're going to talk about working with someone you love, music and comedy, cooking and eating together, and more...

Ruthie’s Table 4 is made in partnership with Moncler.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jane Hartley was the American ambassador to France and Monaco, and now to the Court of Saint James. In the two years she has spent in the United Kingdom so far, Jane has had two monarchs, three prime ministers, four chancellors, and a late-stage pandemic.

She has the qualities necessary for the role in abundance: leadership, resilience, duty. I know her as a close friend, and though I always introduce Jane as Ambassador Hartley, my nickname for her is Miss Sparkle. I don’t think I’ve ever seen her without sequins on a sweater, dress, earrings, or even the shoes she’s wearing today.

Now, we’re going to get together to talk about work, duty, family and food. I know she will be informed, and I know she will sparkle.

Ruthie’s Table 4 is made in partnership with Moncler.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A few weeks ago, I was invited to a gala dinner at the National Theatre. The host of my table, Yana Peel, said she was sitting me next to a young filmmaker who had recently won a BAFTA. Then I met an artist whose work had just been exhibited at Hauser & Wirth Gallery in Los Angeles, and is about to be shown at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art.

Then I met a champion volleyball player who, aged 18, represented Britain in the 2012 London Olympics. Today in The River Cafe, I'm about to talk with all three as Savanah Leaf incredibly, is them all. The London-born, California-raised athlete turned artist, who still only 30, has just won the BAFTA for Best British debut Director for her powerful film Earth Mama.

The executive chef of The River Cafe Sian Owen is joining us, now we are five. A Cook, an artist, a director, an athlete and me. Women rule.

Ruthie’s Table 4 is made in partnership with Moncler.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you find yourself on a mountain needing a ski jacket, going to a party needing something beautiful to wear, or in Paris or Milan craving perfect fish, the man to meet is Remo Ruffini, CEO and Chairman of Moncler co-owner of Langosteria restaurants in cities all over the world.

Remo is dynamic, elegant and a visionary, putting sustainability at the heart of the company.

His leadership is a manifestation of Moncler’s ethos, dreaming big and bringing those dreams to life.

Today I'm in Milan for Design Week. Moncler has taken over the central train station to launch its latest campaign, An Invitation to Dream, curated by Jefferson Hack. I'm in Remo’s home celebrating fashion, innovation, inspiration and daring to dream.

Ruthie’s Table 4 is made in partnership with Moncler.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.