Obituary | Chefs fondly remember Margarita Forés, champion of Italian and Filipino cuisine
The Filipino chef was voted Asia’s best female chef in 2016, and was a much-loved member of the culinary community
Chef Margarita Araneta Forés, best known for her culinary empire that included Cibo, Grace Park and Lusso in the Philippines, has died aged 65, sending the restaurant community into mourning.
Forés’ son, Amado, announced the news on his social media account on February 11.
“It is with a heavy heart that I share the sudden passing of my Mom, Margarita A. Forés,” read the caption. “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.”
Condolences quickly came in from across the food and drink community, expressing shock and grief at the chef’s sudden passing.
The Filipino chef had been visiting Hong Kong in recent days, and her final Instagram story, posted on Monday, showed she had recently dined at Prince and the Peacock, an Indian restaurant in Central district on Hong Kong Island.
Chef Vicky Cheng of Hong Kong’s Wing and VEA shared an emotional post on his own Instagram account, revealing that Forés had invited him out for a nightcap on Monday evening, which he had to decline due to having an early start the next day.
