Profile of Margarita Fores, Asia's Best Female Chef Specializing in Italian Cuisine Who Passed Away at the Age of 65

Kapanlagi.com - The culinary world has just mourned the passing of one of its icons, Margarita Fores. This well-known Filipino chef took her last breath on Tuesday (11/2), leaving an unforgettable mark in the world of gastronomy. As the Best Female Chef in Asia, Fores not only elevated her country's name but also played a pioneering role in introducing the delights of Italian and Filipino cuisine to the international stage.

With extraordinary dedication, she has inspired many young chefs across Asia. From the early days of her career, Fores' deep love for Italian cuisine took her on an amazing journey, learning directly in the land of pasta and pizza, and successfully establishing a network of restaurants in the Philippines. Her commitment to using fresh ingredients and implementing a farm-to-table concept earned her respect as one of the leading culinary figures in the world.

Moreover, Fores' resilience in facing various challenges, including her battle with cancer, showcased her unyielding spirit. The restaurants she founded have become not only symbols of success but also part of a culinary legacy that will be remembered forever. So, what makes Margarita Fores so special and capable of leaving a profound mark in the culinary world? Here is the review, summarized by Kapanlagi.com, Wednesday (12/2).

1. Margarita Fores' Career Journey as a Chef

Margarita Fores, born on March 23, 1959, in the Philippines to an affluent family, grew up in an environment rich in culture and achievement. From a young age, her passion for Italian cuisine ignited, and her culinary journey began when she stepped into New York, captivated by the enticing Italian restaurants.

In 1986, she boldly challenged herself by going to Italy for an intensive four-month training, learning directly from three renowned chefs in Florence, Rome, and Milan, equipping her with authentic Italian cooking techniques. Without formal culinary education, Margarita relied on experience and the guidance of experts to understand the art of gastronomy.

Upon returning to the Philippines, she established a successful catering business, Cibo, and in 1997, launched her first restaurant of the same name, offering authentic Italian cuisine at affordable prices, addressing the Filipino people's longing for flavors that were not widely available at that time.

2. Carrying the Title of Best Female Chef in Asia

In 2016, Margarita Fores reached the peak of her career by being awarded the title of Best Female Chef in Asia by the prestigious Asia's 50 Best Restaurants awards. This achievement affirms her position as one of the most influential figures in the Asian culinary world, where she not only promotes Italian cuisine in the Philippines but also introduces Filipino flavors to the global stage.

Her unwavering dedication and fresh innovations in every dish are a testament to her commitment to quality. Additionally, Fores actively supports local farmers and fishermen by selecting fresh ingredients, as for her, high-quality food starts with the best raw materials.

She also serves as an ambassador for Filipino products, such as Job's Tears, a gluten-free grain native to her homeland. This victory paved the way for her to collaborate with renowned chefs around the world, further solidifying her name on the international stage.

3. Focus on Italian Cuisine

Margarita Fores, a lover of Italian cuisine, began her journey in the culinary world while in New York, and further solidified her passion after undergoing hands-on training in Italy. She not only learned recipes but also delved into the philosophy of Italian cooking that emphasizes the freshness of ingredients and simplicity.

From her passion, she established several restaurants that reflect the Italian spirit, such as Cibo, which serves classic dishes with a modern twist at affordable prices, Lusso, which offers a fine dining experience with an exclusive menu, and Alta in Bonifacio Global City, which combines Italian and Filipino flavors in a luxurious setting.

Her achievements shone even brighter when in May 2024, her restaurant Grace Park ranked 12th in the list of Asia's Best Casual Dining Restaurants by Opinionated About Dining, proving her ability to adapt Italian cuisine with local ingredients without sacrificing the authenticity of flavors.

4. Her Figure Inspires

Margarita Fores is not only a maestro in the culinary world but also an inspiring figure who uplifts the spirits of many women in this industry. With her success in building an impressive restaurant empire, she demonstrates extraordinary resilience in facing two cancer diagnoses in her life.

Known for her humility, Fores is eager to share her knowledge with the younger generation, encouraging the advancement of Filipino cuisine on the world stage. For Fores, cooking is more than just creating flavors; she believes that food has the power to spread happiness and strengthen bonds among people.

The award she received as Cavaliere dell'Ordine della Stella d'Italia in 2018 from the Italian government is a tangible testament to her dedication to promoting Italian culture and gastronomy worldwide.

5. Passed Away

On February 11, 2025, the culinary world lost one of its stars, Margarita Fores, who passed away at the age of 65. This sad news was conveyed by her son, Amado Fores, through social media, expressing profound feelings of loss.

Although the cause of her death has not been disclosed, the mark left by Margarita in the culinary world will not be forgotten. As a chef who transformed the face of Filipino cuisine, she successfully introduced Italian flavors to the Philippines and vice versa, making her restaurants a symbol of dedication and genuine love for the art of cooking.

Her passing marks the end of an era for a pioneer who changed the landscape of Filipino cuisine and inspired many generations of chefs to continue creating.

"With a heavy heart, I share the sudden passing of my mother, Margarita A. Forés. Our family mourns this unexpected loss, and we ask for your prayers during this time. We will be able to share more in due course. With gratitude. Amado," Amado wrote in his Instagram post, quoted on Wednesday (12/2).

6. People Also Ask

1. What makes Margarita Forés a famous chef?

Margarita Forés is known for her expertise in Italian cuisine and her dedication to bringing Filipino culinary arts to the global stage.

2. What restaurants did Margarita Forés establish?

She founded Cibo, Lusso, Grace Park, and Alta, all of which serve Italian cuisine with her unique twist.

3. What was Margarita Forés' early career journey in the culinary world?

She studied cooking in Italy before returning to the Philippines to establish a catering business and open successful restaurants.

4. Why is Margarita Forés respected in the culinary world?

In addition to being a talented chef, she is also known for her dedication to promoting local ingredients and supporting the culinary community.

(kpl/rmt)