MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine culinary scene just lost a legend as renowned chef and restaurateur Margarita Forés’ death was confirmed on Tuesday, February 11. She was 65.
As the founder of the acclaimed restaurant chain Cibo, Margarita made a lasting impact on the world of gastronomy, and the chefs and groups whose lives she touched are doing their part to honor her legacy.
Inspiring a whole generation of Filipino chefs
Josh Boutwood, the founder and chef of restaurants Ember, Helm, Savage, and The Test Kitchen, posted an old photo of him with Margarita, captioned, “A very sad day…”
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Aaron Isip, the chef behind Makati’s Kasa Palma, referred to Margarita as “the biggest supporter of Filipino cuisine and chefs all over the world.”
“Thank you for paving the way for all of us! You will be greatly missed!” Isip wrote.
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“Thank you for your kind words and unwavering support for the next generation of Filipino chefs. We will forever be grateful for your role in putting Filipino cuisine in the world map,” Isip wrote in another Instagram story, where the late chef complimented him for the tasting menu he offered in Balai Palma, his old restaurant.
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Miko Calo, another prominent female chef in the country, spoke about the impact her late friend and mentor made on her career.
“You have been and always will be an inspiration for Filipina chefs. We will continue what you’ve started. We are here, Chef [Margarita] and we will keep the fire burning. THANK YOU VERY MUCH. Rest in power,” Calo captioned the series of photos she shared of Margarita and her in the kitchen.
Joel Binamira, owner of Cebuano lechon chain Zubuchon, said in his tribute to the late Cibo founder that she would be “so very, very, very sorely missed.”
Cibo and Zubuchon inked a partnership in May 2024, where the two renowned dining establishments offered Zubuchon Porchetta. The tender pork belly with crispy skin was care of Zubuchon, while Cibo jumped in to add an Italian twist to it.
Mentor, true friend
Actor Matteo Guidicelli, meanwhile, shared a series of photos he took with Margarita, his beloved “tita,” over the years.
“You will be deeply missed. We shared so many special moments together, and I will always be grateful for your encouragement and motivation, especially in the restaurant business. You were not just a mentor but a true friend — always a joy to be with. You will always and forever be the best!! You will forever be in our hearts. We love you very much,” the Italian-Filipino star wrote.
Designer Rajo Laurel, Margarita’s good friend, looked back on his last online conversation with her. In a screenshot, he tells Margarita to have safe travels to Morocco.
“I will miss you so very very much! My heart is broken,” Laurel said.
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He also shared a video of the culinary legend laughing over a meal, expressing how much he loved that video of her.
“We are all so grateful that you touched our lives [with] your magic!” the designer added.
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Generous spirit
As a two-time cancer survivor, Margarita was a big supporter of ICanServe Foundation, Inc., a breast cancer advocacy group. She would often lend her culinary talent to the group’s projects, such as Pink Kitchen, Around the World in Small Plates, and Fashion Can Serve.
“More than her extraordinary talent, it was her generous spirit and unwavering support for causes close to her heart that truly defined her…. We remember her warmth, her grace, and the delicious meals she shared with us. Our deepest condolences to her family and loved ones. Her legacy will continue to inspire us all,” ICanServe Foundation, Inc. said in its tribute to her.
Meanwhile, food community Let’s Eat Pare thanked Margarita for her contributions to the local food industry.
Bakery and cafe Lola Nena’s also expressed sadness over the late chef’s passing, acknowledging the countless chefs, restaurateurs, and foodies she has inspired throughout the course of her life.
“Your legacy will live on in the hearts and kitchens of many. Maraming salamat, Chef Margarita,” the establishment wrote on its Facebook page.
Fores also founded restaurants Grace Park, Lusso, and Alta. Outside of the culinary world, she also owns a flower shop called Margarita Floralscapes. – Rappler.com
