Ruthie's Table 4: Jimmy Fallon

Most nights, Jimmy Fallon and I have somewhat similar jobs. We’re both hosts, after all—Jimmy on The Tonight Show, me at The River Cafe. We both welcome guests and want them to feel at home. Of course, Jimmy’s reach is far greater than mine. I look after 180 people, Jimmy, 1.8 million. As a chef, my hosting is done through cooking; Jimmy sings dances and makes people laugh and open up in conversation. Last November, in New York, I met with Jimmy at 30 Rock talking about memories and cooking. We sang a song and even found out we grew up in towns close by. A chef and a star, joined by the joy of food and each other.