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Philstar.com
February 11, 2025 | 6:30pm
Chef Margarita Fores in a photo she posted on Facebook in December 2024.
MANILA, Philippines — Pioneering Filipino chef and restaurateur Margarita Forés, founder of CIBO and known for being among Asia's best, has passed away.
This was anounced by her son, Amado Forés, who is himself a restaurateur and owner of Amano.
Margarita, who was Asia's Best Female Chef in 2016, passed away unexpectedly on Feb. 11, 2025.
"It is with a heavy heart that I share the sudden passing of my Mom, Margarita A. Forés," Amado wrote on Instagram.
"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," he added.
Her last post on her Facebook page was on January 27, when she shared photographs of her collaboration Chef Miko Calo.
Legacy. Known affectionately as "Gaita," Forés through her restaurants such as Lusso Manila, transformed and elevated the Philippine culinary landscape to teh world stage.
She was known through her innovative fusion of Italian and Filipino cuisines, starting her journey in 1986 when she traveled to Italy for intensive culinary training, studying under renowned chefs in Florence, Rome and Milan.
In 1997, she founded the successful restaurant chain Cibo, which introduced authentic Italian cuisine to Filipino diners. Her culinary empire expanded to include Grace Park, Lusso, Alta, and numerous other establishments.
Another of her restaurants, Grace Park, which specializes in farmhouse cooking, achieved recognition in 2024, ranking 12th on Opinionated About Dining's Top Casual Restaurants in Asia list.
Margarita also receivd the Cavaliere dell'Ordine della Stella d'Italia (Knight of the Order of the Star of Italy) in 2018.
She named Ambassador for Gastronomic Tourism in 2019 by the United Nations in 2019.
Throughout her three decadees in the culinary scene, she was dedicated to supporting local farmers, fishermen and artisans while fostering greater appreciation for Filipino cuisine. Her recent work included collaborating with celebrity Chef Hiroyuki Tamura on fusion creations like "Batchoy Ramen."
