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Today, we are talking about Margarita Forés, a famous chef and restaurateur who made a big impact in the culinary world. She was known for her love of Italian food and for promoting Filipino ingredients globally. Recently, she passed away, and today we will look at her life, achievements, and legacy.

Margarita Forés was born on March 23, 1959, into a well-known Filipino family. Her grandfather, J. Amado Araneta, was a successful businessman. She grew up experiencing different cultures, and her time in New York City inspired her love for Italian food. Though she studied accountancy at Assumption College, she later followed her passion for cooking. She worked in Hong Kong and New York before fully committing to becoming a chef.

In 1986, she traveled to Italy, where she trained under expert chefs and learned the secrets of authentic Italian cooking. This journey was life-changing for her. When she returned to the Philippines, she started as a caterer and quickly gained recognition for her creativity and skills. In 1997, she opened her first restaurant, Cibo, which became a big success and started her journey in the restaurant business.

Margarita Forés expanded her culinary empire with restaurants like Lusso, Grace Park, and Alta, each offering unique dining experiences. She mixed Italian cooking techniques with Filipino flavors, using local ingredients to create delicious dishes. Her innovative approach earned her much praise and made her a well-respected name in the food industry.

In 2016, she was honored as Asia’s Best Female Chef by The World’s 50 Best Restaurants. She also received the Knight of the Order of the Star of Italy in 2018 and became a United Nations Ambassador for Gastronomic Tourism in 2019. These awards showed her dedication to promoting Filipino food on a global scale.

Despite her success, Margarita Forés faced personal struggles, including battling cancer twice. She remained strong and continued to inspire many people with her resilience and passion. Her love for food and her ability to bring people together through cooking made her an unforgettable figure in the culinary world.

On February 11, 2025, Margarita Forés passed away unexpectedly. Her son, Amado, shared the sad news. While the cause of her death has not been revealed, the culinary world is mourning the loss of a true legend. Her impact on the industry will live on through her restaurants, recipes, and the people she inspired.

Many chefs, celebrities, and food lovers have paid tribute to her, sharing their love and appreciation for her contributions. She will always be remembered for her talent, passion, and dedication to Filipino cuisine.

Thank you for watching this video. If you have any memories or thoughts about Margarita Forés, please share them in the comments. Don’t forget to like and subscribe to WikiStar for more stories about legendary figures. See you in the next video!
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32 Comments

  1. RIP and we look up to your love of passion for cooking which opened to all with the same passion for creating and serving food!!

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