Legendary Filipino chef Margarita Forés. ARCHIVE

Margarita Forés, one of the Philippines’ most celebrated chefs, was found dead in her Hong Kong hotel room, her family confirmed on Tuesday (February 11). She was 65 years old. Forés' sudden and unexpected passing was announced by her only son, Amado Forés, in an Instagram post. “Dear friends and family, it is with a heavy heart that I share the sudden passing of my mom, Margarita A. Forés. Our family is mourning this unexpected loss, and we kindly ask for your prayers during this time. We will be able to share more in due time. With gratitude, Amado,” he wrote. Authorities in Hong Kong have not disclosed the cause of death, but sources indicated that Forés was found unresponsive in her hotel room after failing to show up for a scheduled lunch meeting.

Pioneer in Philippine culinary industry

Forés was a trailblazer in the culinary industry, recognized for elevating Filipino cuisine on the global stage. She was the owner of several well-loved restaurants, including Cibo, Lusso, Grace Park, and Alta, and was named Asia’s Best Female Chef in 2016 by The World’s 50 Best Restaurants. A staunch advocate of organic ingredients and Italian-Filipino culinary fusion, Forés was highly regarded for her commitment to sustainable, high-quality dining. Her restaurant Grace Park ranked 12th on Opinionated About Dining’s Top Casual Restaurants in Asia list in 2024, while Cibo placed 44th in the 50 Top Pizza’s 50 Top World Artisan Pizza Chains in November 2024. Beyond her restaurants, she appeared in international culinary programs, including Inspired with Anna Olson and CNN’s Culinary Journeys. Born in 1959 into the prominent Araneta family, Forés grew up surrounded by a passion for food and hospitality. Her grandfather, J. Amado Araneta, was a real estate tycoon who developed what is now Araneta City in Quezon City. She was also a cousin of politician Mar Roxas. Forés' love for Italian cuisine blossomed while she lived in New York, inspiring her to train in Italy in 1986. She immersed herself in traditional Italian cooking under the guidance of three renowned chefs. Her culinary journey began as a caterer, handling intimate dinners and private events before she opened Cibo in 1997. The restaurant’s success led to the expansion of her culinary empire, including the launch of Lusso, Grace Park, and Loggia. She also founded a catering business and a floral shop, further showcasing her talent for refined hospitality. Forés was a two-time cancer survivor, having overcome thyroid cancer in 2006. Despite her health battles, she continued to champion Filipino cuisine and mentor aspiring chefs. She collaborated with Japanese chef Hiroyuki Tamura to create Batchoy Ramen, a dish that merged Ilonggo flavors with Japanese techniques, demonstrating her ability to innovate while honoring Filipino heritage.

Outpouring of tributes

The news of Forés' passing prompted an outpouring of grief from her colleagues, friends, and admirers. Among those who expressed condolences were 2024 Metro Manila Film Festival Best Supporting Actress Kakki Teodoro, TV host Raymond Gutierrez, and Aika Robredo, daughter of former Vice President Leni Robredo. “She was a visionary in the industry, a woman ahead of her time. Her legacy in Filipino cuisine will never be forgotten,” one of her colleagues shared. Forés' contributions to the Philippine culinary landscape remain immeasurable, and her passion, innovation, and resilience continue to inspire generations of chefs. CAM/Expat Media
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