Remembering Margarita Forès: The Filipina Chef Who Made All of Us Fall in Love with Italian Food
Margarita Forès’ son Amado announced the passing of his mother on Tuesday, February 11
Margarita Forès, the woman behind CIBO and named as one of Asia’s Best Female Chef in 2016 has died at 65. The news was confirmed by her son, Amado on his Instagram account on Tuesday, February 11.
“Dear Friends and Family, it is with a heavy heart that I share the sudden passing of my Mom, Margarita A. Forés. 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 announcement was met with condolences from those who knew Gaita, as she is known to many, who has been in the food and restaurant industry for 37 years. She had also recently celebrated CIBO’s 27th anniversary at the Podium branch.
Before her passing, she appeared with her son for a cover of a lifestyle magazine. She also met British chef Gordon Ramsay, who was in Manila last month.
Gastronomy as an Experience
Her love for Italian cuisine and its techniques made her the famed culinary giant many know her as in the Philippines. After studying at Assumption College, she eventually moved to America where she would pursue and master Italian cooking. Throughout the years, she consistently expressed her appreciation and dedication, whether through her episodes on the lifestyle shows The Crawl, My Italy with Margarita, or by catering to various events.
But many families know her for CIBO, a restaurant that has remained a family business ever since 1997. Her dedication shows in all her dishes, including what many would call almost every person’s gateway dish to CIBO — the Spinaci Zola Dip. Today, it remains one of the most favored Italian restaurants among Filipino families.
After introducing CIBO to Filipinos, Gaita opened other restaurants which include, Lusso, Grace Park, and Alta. With taste well taken care of, she continued to take dining and catering to the next level. Opening Margarita Signature Caterer and Margarita Floral landscapes became the result of her dedication to making every dining experience from her culinary empire “exceptional.”
“From the food to the tableware, I think that including flowers is vital to convey the full message of my styling and concept. The florals are part of the entire experience,” she shares in an interview with Lifestyle Asia.
Mother, daughter, and cancer survivor
Born to the Araneta clan behind Araneta City in Quezon City, Gaita is the daughter of Raul Fores and Maria Lourdes Araneta. Inspired by her travels, Gaita went to Italy in the late 80s, where she studied Italian cuisine under three Italian chefs.
After her stay in Italy, she went back to the Philippines, where she established CIBO. It has since expanded to other restaurants. Gaita also launched her own line of food products available in the market.
Although she is busy running her food empire, Gaita ensures her time for her son Amado, who followed in her footsteps in running restaurants such as Amano, Steak and Fries, and Ramen Ron.
Gaita is also a thyroid cancer survivor, having survived the condition in 2006. She also survived breast cancer in 2013.
While Philippine gastronomy loss one of its well-loved chefs, Gaita will always serve as an inspiration for those who will continue to promote Philippine cuisine.
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