Margarita Fores, the Chef and Restaurateur Behind Cibo, Has Died 💔
👉 A nation mourns the loss of an icon in the culinary world. What made Margarita Fores an unstoppable force in the food industry?
Read on to discover her journey, achievements, and lasting legacy.
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🥂 A Trailblazing Icon in Philippine Cuisine
Margarita Fores, the renowned Filipino chef and restaurateur, has passed away, leaving behind a legacy that transformed the culinary scene. She was the visionary behind Cibo, the beloved Italian restaurant chain in the Philippines.
For decades, Fores championed Italian cuisine, bringing the authentic flavors of Italy to Filipino diners while incorporating local ingredients. Her passion, innovation, and expertise earned her global recognition, including the prestigious title of Asia’s Best Female Chef in 2016 (Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants).
📌 Quick Facts About Margarita Fores
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| 🏆 Title | Chef & Restaurateur |
| 🍝 Best Known For | Founder of Cibo, Italian cuisine expert |
| 🎖 Major Award | Asia’s Best Female Chef (2016) |
| 📍 Culinary Influence | Italian & Filipino fusion cuisine |
| 🌱 Other Ventures | Lusso, Grace Park, Casa Artusi Philippines |
| 🌎 Training | Studied in Italy under master chefs |
| 🏡 Hometown | Philippines |
| 💡 Legacy | Elevated Italian dining in the Philippines |
🇮🇹 A Culinary Journey from Italy to the Philippines
📖 Early Career & Training
Before opening Cibo, Margarita Fores trained in Italy, where she studied under legendary Italian chefs (CNN Philippines). She immersed herself in regional cooking techniques, particularly in Florence, Rome, and Milan.
Fores returned to the Philippines with a mission—to introduce authentic Italian flavors using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Her culinary vision focused on blending Italian traditions with Filipino sensibilities, a pioneering move in the country’s restaurant industry.
🍽️ The Birth of Cibo: A Revolution in Italian Dining
In 1997, Fores established Cibo, a modern casual-dining Italian restaurant that became an instant hit in the Philippines (Rappler).
What made Cibo different? 👇
✅ Authentic Italian flavors with a Filipino touch
✅ Fresh pasta, panini, and gourmet pizza in a casual setting
✅ Innovative, yet accessible menu for everyday dining
✅ Sustainable sourcing of local and imported ingredients
With multiple locations across the Philippines, Cibo remains one of the country’s most successful Italian restaurant brands.
🥂 Beyond Cibo: Margarita Fores’ Culinary Empire
Aside from Cibo, Fores spearheaded several other culinary ventures:
🔸 Lusso – A high-end French-Italian bistro known for its truffle-infused dishes.
🔸 Grace Park – A farm-to-table restaurant promoting organic, sustainable dining.
🔸 Casa Artusi Philippines – A culinary school dedicated to teaching traditional Italian cooking techniques.
Her influence wasn’t just about running restaurants—she also mentored young chefs, promoted local ingredients, and advocated for Filipino cuisine internationally.
🌎 A Global Ambassador for Filipino & Italian Cuisine
Fores wasn’t just a chef; she was a culinary ambassador. She actively collaborated with the Philippine Department of Tourism to showcase Filipino cuisine worldwide (Philippine Tatler).
Her work helped put the Philippines on the global culinary map, proving that Filipino chefs could excel on the international stage.
💔 The Culinary World Mourns Her Passing
The death of Margarita Fores is a tremendous loss for the Philippine food industry.
Her peers, fellow chefs, and food lovers worldwide have expressed deep sadness, recognizing her immeasurable contributions (Inquirer Lifestyle).
However, her influence and legacy will continue to inspire generations of chefs, restaurateurs, and food lovers.
🤔 FAQs About Margarita Fores
What was Margarita Fores’ biggest achievement?
Her biggest achievement was being named Asia’s Best Female Chef in 2016.
What made Cibo unique?
Cibo was one of the first Italian restaurant chains in the Philippines to offer authentic Italian flavors in a casual yet sophisticated setting.
⚠️ Disclaimer
Pinoy Trending informs that this article is intended for informational purposes only.
For official statements and updates, refer to:
✅ CNN Philippines
✅ Rappler
✅ Inquirer Lifestyle
Josh is a seasoned content writer and journalist with over 15 years of experience creating impactful, accurate, and engaging content across industries like technology, healthcare, finance, and media. He specializes in translating complex topics into clear, accessible narratives and excels in technical documentation, editorial writing, and marketing materials.
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