Remembering Margarita Forés: Lessons from a Life Seasoned with Passion and Purpose

When Chef Margarita Forés passed away on February 11, 2025, the culinary world mourned not only the loss of an icon but also a woman who transformed the way we understood food, culture, and creativity. Her story wasn’t just about opening restaurants—it was about opening minds.

Today, we remember her not just for what she accomplished, but for what she taught us.

1. Never Stop Learning—Even When You’ve Made It

Margarita didn’t start her career in the kitchen. In fact, she entered the culinary world later than most, with no formal degree in cooking. But she immersed herself in the roots of Italian cuisine, traveling to Italy to learn from real, homegrown kitchens. Her lesson: it’s never too late to learn something new—and learning from the source makes all the difference.

2. Culture Is Power—Embrace Your Roots

Though trained in Italian cuisine, she always carried her Filipino identity with pride. Her success wasn’t just about pasta and risotto—it was in how she reintroduced local ingredients with intention. She showed us that to go global, you must start local. Her menus, from Cibo to Grace Park, were love letters to Philippine produce.

3. Hospitality Is a Love Language

To Margarita, food was never just about flavor—it was about feeling. Her dining spaces were warm, unpretentious, and welcoming. She reminded us that hospitality is deeply human, and the way you make people feel is just as important as what you serve.

4. Sustainability Isn’t a Trend—It’s a Responsibility

Before “farm-to-table” was fashionable, Margarita was already sourcing directly from Filipino farmers. She used her platform to spotlight slow food, local farming, and heritage cooking, proving that sustainability isn’t a trend—it’s an act of care, both for people and for the planet.

5. Celebrate Others As Much As Yourself

Despite the acclaim—Asia’s Best Female Chef in 2016, a household name in the F&B world—Margarita always shared the spotlight. She mentored young chefs, championed local artisans, and remained grounded. She taught us that true success is measured not just by what you build, but by who you bring with you.

A Lasting Legacy

Chef Margarita Forés may have left the table, but the warmth she brought into kitchens, dining rooms, and hearts remains. Her legacy lives on in every chef she inspired, every home cook she encouraged, and every diner who now sees Filipino cuisine in a new light.

We remember her not only for her bold flavors but for her quiet wisdom—proof that the most powerful legacies are the ones built with purpose, humility, and love.

Sources:

– Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants

– Tatler Dining

– CNN Philippines

– Inquirer Lifestyle

– Conversations and tributes from the local F&B community