Sad News, Margarita Fores Best Female Chef Passes Away at Age 65

Kapanlagi.com - The culinary world is mourning the loss of one of its stars, Margarita Fores, a Filipino chef who was named Asia's Best Female Chef in 2016. Margarita passed away at the age of 65, and this sad news was shared by her son, Amado Fores, through a social media post on Tuesday, February 11, 2025.

"It is with a heavy heart that I announce the passing of my mother, Margarita A. Forés. Our family is grieving this unexpected loss, and we ask for your prayers during this time. We will be able to share more news in due time," Amado wrote in his statement on Instagram.

Margarita Fores was not just a chef, but also an influential figure in the culinary world. She was widely known as the owner of several renowned restaurants in the Philippines, such as Cibo, Lusso, and Grace Park. With her distinctive touch, she presented authentic Italian cuisine and was a pioneer of the farm-to-table movement, promoting the use of high-quality local ingredients.

1. The Beginning of the Journey: From Accounting to the Culinary World

Margarita Fores started her career journey with an unexpected step; she was an accountant before finally finding her true love in the culinary world. A significant change occurred when she visited Italy in 1987, where she was captivated by the rich flavors of Italian cuisine.

Upon returning to Manila, she honed her cooking skills through various intensive training, which led her to launch her first catering business, Cibo di M, which quickly gained attention for its extraordinary flavors.

In 1997, she took a further step by opening her first restaurant, Cibo, which offered high-quality Italian dishes in a casual yet elegant atmosphere. This success laid the foundation for her business expansion, giving rise to other restaurants like Lusso and Grace Park, further solidifying her name in the culinary world.

2. Great Success and International Recognition

As time goes by, Margarita has transcended the boundaries of the Philippines and gained international recognition thanks to her extraordinary dedication to Italian cuisine and the farm-to-table concept. In 2016, she was crowned Asia's Best Female Chef by the prestigious Asia's 50 Best Restaurants, an achievement that reflects her commitment to the culinary world.

Not only that, Margarita also established the Asian Campus at Casa Artusi, a renowned culinary school in Italy, and actively participates in various global culinary events, including her appearance on CNN's Culinary Journeys, which further elevates her name on the world stage.

In addition to her culinary expertise, she has also ventured into the business world by launching Margarita Floralscapes, proving that she is not just a chef, but a visionary entrepreneur who bravely brings culinary culture to a higher dimension.

3. Sudden and Mysterious Departure

The disappearance of Margarita was like a bolt from the blue, shocking many who knew her as an active star in the culinary world. Found unresponsive in a hotel in Hong Kong, Margarita was supposed to attend a scheduled lunch meeting, but to this day the cause of her death remains a mystery to her family and authorities.

In a statement delivered by Amado Fores, he requested understanding for the family to be given space to grieve, while promising to provide more information over time. Deep sorrow also struck fans, colleagues, and loyal customers who remember Margarita as a transformative figure in Filipino cuisine.

Her famous restaurant, Cibo, also paid tribute through a social media post, emphasizing the immense dedication Margarita had in creating unforgettable culinary experiences for many.

4. The Legacy of Margarita Fores and the Future of Her Business

Although Margarita is no longer with us, her culinary legacy continues through the restaurants she founded and the spirit she instilled in the new generation. In recent years, she collaborated with her son, Amado, to bring culinary projects to life such as the restaurants Amano and Steak and Frice, which are now managed by her son.

In an in-depth interview with Tatler, a few days before her passing, Margarita proudly expressed her love for Amado. Now, many hope that Amado can continue and develop his mother's extraordinary culinary vision. The loss of Margarita indeed leaves sorrow, but her legacy and dedication will continue to inspire young chefs to create in the culinary world.

5. People Also Ask

1. Who is Margarita Forés?

Margarita Forés is a renowned chef from the Philippines known as the founder of the restaurants Cibo, Lusso, and Grace Park. She was awarded the title of Asia’s Best Female Chef in 2016.

2. How did Margarita Forés pass away?

Margarita was found unresponsive in a hotel in Hong Kong. The exact cause of her death has not been announced by the family.

3. What restaurants did Margarita Forés establish?

Some of her famous restaurants include Cibo, Lusso, Grace Park, and Alta. She also founded the catering business Cibo di M and the floristry Margarita Floralscapes.

4. Did Margarita Forés have any descendants?

Yes, she has a son named Amado Forés who is also pursuing a career in the culinary world and has opened several restaurants of his own.

(kpl/rmt)