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Chef Ruthie Rogers on the comforts of food and conversation

March 22, 2026 / 10:01 AM EDT / CBS News

Chef Ruthie Rogers on the comforts of food and conversation

TL;DR

  • Ruthie Rogers, a key figure at the River Cafe since its inception, has published a book titled "Table 4 at the River Cafe."
  • The book features conversations with celebrities like Elton John and Sarah Jessica Parker, exploring how food can unlock personal memories and foster connections.
  • Rogers believes that approaching people through the lens of food leads to more authentic conversations than discussing their specific careers.
  • She emphasizes the importance of connection, a value central to her restaurant's ethos and her own philosophy.
  • The River Cafe, co-founded with Rose Gray, started with six tables and has maintained a Michelin star since the late 1990s.
  • Jamie Oliver, a former employee, credits Rogers and Gray for their influence on his career.
  • Rogers highlights a kitchen culture built on 'hope rather than fear,' contrasting with traditional hierarchical models.