Celebrity Filipino chef Margarita Fores found dead in HK hotel room

Renowned Filipino chef and restaurateur Margarita Fores, named Asia’s Best Female Chef in 2016, has died at the age 65 after being found unresponsive in a Hong Kong hotel room.

Fores was famous for championing her native cuisine and bringing authentic Italian fare to the Philippines. She owned several restaurants, including the Cibo chain, Lusso, Grace Park, and Alta.

Her cause of death is under investigation.

“Our family is mourning this unexpected loss, and we kindly ask for your prayers during this time,” her son Amando Fores wrote in his Instagram post. “We will be able to share more in due time.”

Born in 1959 into the prominent Araneta family, the acclaimed chef developed a passion for Italian food while living in New York. She trained in Italy in 1986 under three chefs, immersing herself in traditional Italian cooking.

She started as a caterer before launching Cibo, a popular Italian chain offering affordable comfort food at more than 20 locations across the Philippines, in 1997.

The restaurant’s success allowed Fores to open other dining spots, including Lusso, Grace Park and Loggia.

Grace Park has ranked 12th on Opinionated About Dining’s Top Casual Restaurants in Asia list in 2024.

Fores, a two-time cancer survivor who beat thyroid cancer in 2006, also appeared on international television shows including “Inspired with Anna Olson” and “Culinary Journeys”.

Fan support for Fores and her family poured on social media, with many sharing their great respect and admiration for the culinary innovator, who last month was spotted giving Gordon Ramsay a tour of her Farmers Market in Araneta City.

“Her warmth, creativity, and unwavering spirit will continue to inspire us all,” Cibo posted on Facebook. “Thank you for sharing your heart with us, Chef Margarita. You will always be CIBO.”

(Staff reporter, Manila Standard and New York Post)