Asia’s Best Female Chef, Margarita Araneta Forés, has passed away at the age of 65, leaving behind a culinary legacy like no other.
Chef Margarita Araneta Forés, remembered by many as an inimitable trailblazer in the Philippine culinary scene, has passed away at the age of 65. Her son, Amado, announced the news through his Instagram account, which shocked members of the food industry and Manila society at large.
“It is with a heavy heart that I share the sudden passing of my Mom, Margarita A. Forés,” he writes. “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.”
The chef’s passing has undoubtedly left a profound void in Philippine dining, but she leaves behind an unparalleled legacy through her culinary concepts and businesses.
READ ALSO: Farewell Filmmaker: Remembering The Inimitable Vision Of David Lynch
A True Trailblazer
Born on March 23, 1959, Forés discovered her love for food at a young age, learning everything she could about home-style Italian cooking from local signoras during a journey through Italy that began in 1987. She would go on to spend the rest of her life immersing herself in different culinary traditions and cultures through travel, incorporating her discoveries into her own endeavors.
Her restaurant Cibo first opened in 1997. Known for its array of delicious Italian dishes, remains a well-respected institution where Filipino families across the country frequently dine.
The chef would go on to launch other widely cherished concepts, including farmhouse-style restaurant Grace Park and the luxe, all-day café Lusso. Beyond these restaurants, Forés also ran an impeccable catering service, Margarita Signature Caterer, as well as a floralscaping business, Margarita Floralscapes.
In 2016, she was named Asia’s Best Female Chef, a testament to the impactful work she spent a lifetime building.
Representing A Country
Forés faced her fair share of challenges, including a harrowing, two-time battle with cancer. Yet she persevered, continuing her work—not only providing Filipinos with delicious food, marked by her unmistakable attention to detail, but also proudly representing the country’s culinary talent and inspiring generations of young chefs. She served influential figures such as former U.S. President Barack Obama and Prince Albert II of Monaco, and in 2019, she was named a UN Ambassador to Gastronomy.
The impact Chef Margarita made—not just to the culinary world but also on the Philippines—feels indescribable, too profound to put into words. But perhaps this quote, which she shared during an interview with S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy, offers a glimpse into the kind of person she was.
“I have been asked to participate in events, this S.Pellegrino Young Chefs 2018 being one of the best examples, and all of these opportunities have just been so priceless!” she expressed. “They have brought me countless opportunities to share my passion with others, but more importantly, they have given me the blessed chance to be a voice, pushing for my country, its culture, cuisine, and uniqueness, to the world. This, for me, is the ultimate gift.”
Banner photo by DJ Magbanua.
