As Barack Obama’s chief fundraiser, Matthew Barzun was acclaimed for encouraging many small-scale donors to contribute in 2008 and again in 2012. As the United States Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Barzun, together with his wife Brooke, initiated town meetings in schools all over Britain, and opened up Winfield House, his official residence, to artists, musicians, writers, actors -hosting celebrations, concerts, political forums and the best parties ever. On episode 46 of The River Cafe Table 4, Matthew talks with Ruthie about his childhood, his recently published book, and why cooking for his family is so important to him.   For more than 30 years The River Cafe in London, has been the home-from-home of artists, architects, designers, actors, collectors, writers, activists, and politicians. Michael Caine, Glenn Close, JJ Abrams, Steve McQueen, Victoria and David Beckham, and Lily Allen, are just some of the people who love to call The River Cafe home.   On Ruthie’s Table 4, Rogers sits down with her customers—who have become friends—to talk about food memories. Table 4 explores how food impacts every aspect of our lives. “Foods is politics, food is cultural, food is how you express love, food is about your heritage, it defines who you and who you want to be,” says Rogers. Each week, Rogers invites her guest to reminisce about family suppers and first dates, what they cook, how they eat when performing, the restaurants they choose, and what food they seek when they need comfort. And to punctuate each episode of Table 4, guests such as Ralph Fiennes, Emily Blunt and Alfonso Cuarón, read their favourite recipe from one of the best-selling River Cafe cookbooks.  Table 4 itself, is situated near The River Cafe’s open kitchen, close to the bright pink wood-fired oven and next to the glossy yellow pass, where Ruthie oversees the restaurant. You are invited to take a seat at this intimate table and join the conversation.   For more information, recipes, and ingredients, go to https://shoptherivercafe.co.uk/   Web: https://rivercafe.co.uk/ Instagram: www.instagram.com/therivercafelondon/ Facebook: https://en-gb.facebook.com/therivercafelondon/   For more podcasts from iHeartRadio, visit the iheartradio app, apple podcasts, or wherever you listen to your favourite shows.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.