The culinary world is in mourning following the unexpected death of Margarita Forés.
According to the Daily Mail, Celebrity chef Margarita Forés was found unresponsive in a Hong Kong hotel room, marking a sudden end to the illustrious career of the acclaimed Asia's Best Female Chef of 2016.
At the age of 65, Forés, a dominant figure in the culinary scene known for her vibrant interpretations of Italian cuisine, died after failing to appear at a planned lunch meeting.
Margarita Forés, originally trained as a public accountant, transitioned to the culinary arts, inspired by the flavors and techniques of Italian cooking. After returning from New York, where she studied at Marymount School and Mount Holyoke College, she completed her accounting degree in the Philippines but quickly found her true calling in the kitchen.
Her culinary journey included an impactful stint in Italy, where she honed her skills before returning to revolutionize the Philippine dining scene with her first restaurant, Cibo, in 1997.
The establishment of Cibo reflected Forés' vision of making authentic Italian cuisine accessible in a mall setting, blending value for money with genuine Italian cooking practices. This model fulfilled both culinary and entrepreneurial ambition by providing an alternative to international franchises and emphasizing a homegrown identity.
Under Margarita's leadership, Cibo expanded to more than 20 locations across the Philippines, proving her concept's success and earning her accolades and a dedicated following.
In her recent interview with Tatler Asia, Margarita expressed a desire to "wind down a little bit," revealing plans to potentially open another restaurant, Margarita, designed to be more understated but still exceptional in its offerings. Despite these intentions to pull back, her sudden passing has left these dreams unfulfilled. Amado Forés, Margarita's son who also followed in her culinary footsteps, conveyed his deep loss on social media. He committed to continuing his mother's culinary heritage, infused with his unique contributions.
Amado stated in an interview:
Translate my mom more, to slowly take over her restaurants but keeping her identity, or rather the soul of what she does but adding my touch.
The announcement of Margarita Forés' death touched the hearts of many who knew her or enjoyed her culinary creations. Social media saw a wave of condolences and tributes, exemplifying her profound impact. One social media user eloquently reflected, "Your mother’s warmth and the love she poured into her cooking touched so many lives. Her incredible talent as a chef, and the meals she shared, will always be remembered with fondness and appreciation. May her memory bring you comfort in this difficult time."
Another user shared their sentiments, "I'm at such a loss for words. My deepest condolences to you and your family, Amado. I am so sorry."
Amado Forés, her son and a fellow chef, publicly shared the family's grief:
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.
Margarita Forés leaves behind a towering legacy in the culinary world, defined by her passionate embrace of Italian cuisine blended masterfully with her Filipino heritage. Her restaurants, accolades like being named Asia’s Best Female Chef in 2016, and plans for the future testify to a life dedicated to culinary arts and innovation. Forés' family, friends, and countless admirers now mourn her death, reflecting on her extraordinary life and waiting to see how those she inspired will carry her legacy forward.
