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. 

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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In The River Cafe, we like a question. One of the reasons we have an open kitchen is that everything is on view and even our customers ask for tips on how to prepare their favourite meals. 

This week, Sian Wyn Owen, Joseph Trivelli and I are answering questions you have sent in. When and what to eat, our favourite seasons and much more.

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

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Looking at all the work Graydon Carter has done over the years, what it would be like to be one of his creations? 

As Spy magazine, I'd be fearless, funny, ahead of my time, radical and brave. Were I Vanity Fair, I'd be glamorous and erudite. Say I was his restaurant, The Waverly Inn, I'd be delicious, nestled in a beautiful corner of Greenwich Village. As Airmail, I would fly through the air every week, telling everyone what they need to know. 

And were I one of his five children or his beautiful wife Anna, I'd know what it feels like to be the focus of Graydon’s life.  

As for his newly published memoir, When The Going Was Good, I'd be unputdownable and number five on the New York Times bestseller list. 

But I would trade any of these just to be Graydon's friend, and that is what I am. 

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

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In this week's bonus, Anthony Scaramucci compares the challenges involved at his restaurant Hunt & Fish Club with Ruthie's at The River Cafe. Plus, he shares some of the items on the underground menu, including the secret meatballs.

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

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In my career, I've been a chef, an author and now a podcaster. In Anthony Scaramucci’s career, he’s been Communication Director in the White House, a financial genius, founding Sky Capital, and the host of the podcast The Rest is Politics: US.  

We’ve both had our ups and downs. His may have been higher ups and maybe downer downs, but we're not here to compete. We're here to talk about food, politics, family and memories. To date, I've only spent about 10 minutes with Anthony, but it doesn't feel that way. For me, the night we met in The River Cafe was an immediate connection. How lucky am I to have him here today? How lucky am I to share stories?

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

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In this bonus episode, Cate Blanchett and Ruthie reflect on the similarities between a theatre performance and a restaurant kitchen.

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

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