While many still mourn the loss of Margarita Forés, she has left behind a new Lusso that will continue her legacy of serving delicious food with a touch of elegance.
It’s been less than a week yet the food world is still in shock over the sudden passing of Chef Margarita Forés. She was well-loved and for good reason. There are countless people who got into the food business because of her. Some were even lucky enough to work for her or be mentored by her. Her world was cooking and her son, Amado, who has become a successful restaurateur following his beloved mother’s footsteps. Margarita was still to open her signature restaurant, Margarita, at the Shoppes at Ayala Triangle sometime this year. She did open her third Lusso at the Podium, which is another remarkable achievement of hers.
Lusso by Margarita Forés, her much-loved restaurant, has officially opened its doors at The Podium in Mandaluyong City. Known for its seamless blend of European elegance and Filipino hospitality, Lusso (Italian for “luxury”) brings its signature charm to this vibrant new location.
About Lusso
Lusso by Margarita Forés is the grand dame of leisurely dining. It is modern Manila’s choice for an all-day salon-style café experience, offering creative and playful comfort food, champagne, and caviar in a chic, accessible, and contemporary fashion. Lusso is renowned for its unique setting, bringing an unrivaled and elegant old-world ambiance rarely seen in Manila today.
Lusso has built a loyal following for its distinctive take on all-day dining, pairing comfort food with champagne and caviar in an elegant yet approachable setting. With its marble and gold accents, the space is designed to offer a relaxed sophistication perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual lunch, a business meeting, or an intimate dinner.
Margarita said: “I’m thrilled that Lusso at The Podium embodies my truest intention for the brand. This new location signifies a clear evolution from the original Lusso in Greenbelt. I love that we are bringing Lusso to another part of the city. With a beautiful two-floor corner space and a much larger kitchen, I’m confident we’ll not only welcome new diners but also breathe fresh life into the brand as a whole.” This restaurant will forever be significantly known as the last restaurant the acclaimed chef opened.
The restaurant’s menu is inspired by Margarita’s love of European cuisine, elevated with a local touch. From seasonal ingredients to classic indulgences, every dish is carefully crafted to offer both luxury and comfort. This balance and attention to detail has earned Lusso its reputation as one of Metro Manila’s standout dining destinations.
She further explained, “I want guests to feel transported. I want this to be a short trip to Milano for them. Lusso at The Podium best captures an old-world elegance, offering a distinctive and refined experience amid the hustle and bustle of the mall.” This is why she also put her first two Lusso restaurants in malls – Greenbelt Mall and the Power Plant Mall in Rockwell.
The beautiful restaurant designed by Jorge Yulo and Mark Wilson is a welcome respite from shopping during the day and a definite dining destination in the evening. Lusso’s classic dishes from sandwiches and starters to mains, pastas, and desserts, have never failed to impress even the most discriminating palate.
Lusso by Margarita Forés at The Podium marks the restaurant’s third location that will continue its tradition of combining impeccable service and the Margarita Forés menu in a warm and inviting atmosphere. Her staff (in almost all her restaurants) have been with her for years, some since the early days of building her restaurant and catering business.
The would-be accountant who undertook intensive training in Italian cooking in Italy ended up becoming one of the most respected chefs who championed Filipino ingredients and was named Asia’s Best Female Chef as part of the 2016 Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants list, part of The World’s 50 Best Restaurants.
Her legacy will live on and her impact on the Philippine culinary scene will be remembered with every bite prepared in all her restaurants.
Photos courtesy of EAT Public Relations (unless specified).
