Chef and Restaurateur Margarita Forés Has Died

Margarita Forés is the trailblazer behind the likes of Cibo, Lusso, and Grace Park.

The food and beverage industry is mourning the loss of world-renowned chef and restaurateur Margarita Forés. She was 65.

Her passing was confirmed by her son, Amado, through a post published on his Instagram account.

“It is with a heavy heart that I share the sudden passing of my Mom, Margarita A. Forés,” he said in the post, which included a blank white image. “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.

F&B Industry Honors Margarita Forés

Her sudden death has left a gaping hole in the food and beverage industry. Fellow restaurateurs and business owners were quick to offer their condolences and pay tribute to one of the industry’s trailblazers.

In a statement shared on social media, the Restaurant Owners of the Philippines expressed their condolences.

“We at RestoPH mourn the passing of Chef Margarita ‘Guita’ Forés, an esteemed member of our community, a national treasure in the culinary scene, and a true pioneer in the industry,” the statement read.

“Her passion, dedication, and love for local ingredients transformed Philippine gastronomy, inspiring generations of chefs and restaurateurs.”

Building a Restaurant Empire that Champions Local Ingredients

Forés began her career in the food industry as a caterer, launching a catering company she named Cibo Di M. It wasn’t until 1997 that she opened her first Cibo branch with a clear goal of opening a restaurant that offers Italian food that is value for money within a mall setting.

From there, she grew her portfolio not just by adding more Cibo branches to the local culinary scene, but also by introducing new restaurant concepts and dining experiences. These include Lusso, Grace Park, The Loggia, and Museya Kafé.

She has since rebranded her catering business to Margarita Signature Caterer and also runs a florist service called Margarita Floralscapes.

Through it all, Forés has championed the use of local ingredients, celebrating the produce of Filipino farmers all over the country. An advocate of the farm-to-table movement and a cancer survivor, sustainability and the use of local organic produce heavily influenced her work and food through the years.

Forever Asia’s Best

The hard work, dedication, and passion that Forés, who many fondly refer to as Chef Gaita, have been recognized and celebrated through numerous accolades. Most memorably, she was hailed Asia’s Best Female Chef by the William Reed Media Group in 2016.

In 2018, the Italian government bestowed her the honor of Cavaliere dell’Ordine della Stella d’Italia for her work in promoting their cuisine in other countries. A year later, she was named United Nations Ambassador for Gastronomic Tourism.

With a career that spanned nearly three decades, Margarita Forés has made unparalleled contributions to the Philippine food and beverage industry. Her loss is deeply felt not just by the industry she passionately served, but also by every Filipino she touched with her grace, knowledge, and excellent food.