STORY 04

RUTH ROGERS

In London’s cultural scene, Ruth Rogers is much more than a chef: she’s a figure who has expertly woven gastronomy, architecture, art and lifestyle into one coherent and profoundly contemporary story. American by birth, but a Londoner by choice, she arrived in the city in the seventies and soon joined its most vibrant creative circles. Ruth was part of a generation who understood culture as a rich tapestry, where food, design and conversation were inseparable threads. Her vision has influenced not only how people eat in London, but also how they live and share.

THE BOOK: SQUEEZE ME

Squeeze Me is the name of her new book, in collaboration with the artist Ed Ruscha and designed by Jony Ive’s creative collective LoveFrom and co-authored by his wife Heather Ive. The lemon takes centre stage: simple, fresh recipes, with that touch of acidity to bring vitality to the dishes. The book’s pages blend easy recipes, reflections and personal memories, where Ruth constructs an intimate portrait of her creative universe. It’s not just a recipe book, but an invitation to understand cooking as a cultural, emotional and profoundly human act.

THE RIVER CAFÉ

The River Café is the restaurant on the bank of the Thames, which she founded in 1987 with Rose Gray. Originally conceived as a canteen for architects, the establishment has become one of the UK's most admired culinary destinations. With a contemporary approach and dishes based on refined Italian cuisine. The River Café broke away from the formalities of haute cuisine to offer an honest menu based on the importance of the ingredients.

Sian Wyn Owen, Head Chef at the River Cafe.

“WHEN ROSE AND I OPENED THE RIVER CAFÉ, THIS WAS THE KIND OF FOOD WE WANTED TO COOK, THE KIND WE ATE AND PREPARED IN ITALY. WHEN YOU ARRIVED, YOU REALIZED THAT IF YOU HAD THREE INGREDIENTS, EACH ONE HAD TO STAND ON ITS OWN”