Our top chefs remember Margarita

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In this forum, our top chefs come together to honor Margarita Forés, a culinary icon whose influence transcended kitchens and generations. This is a testament to the indelible mark she left on Philippine gastronomy, a legacy of bold flavors, boundless creativity, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Through stories, shared memories, and the very language she spoke best—food—these chefs celebrate not just the restaurateur and mentor, but the woman who redefined what it meant to champion Filipino cuisine on the world stage.

ASIA'S BEST Margarita upon receiving the award Asia's Best Female Chef from Asia's 50 Best Restaurants in 2016, with her son Amado and her mother Baby Araneta Forés

You gave me a lot, Margarita. And I’m forever indebted. You ate and drank well, which makes me value every dining experience even more, as you’ve set high standards. You treated my family like it was part of yours and me as a dear friend you’ve entrusted your personal stories to. You took me under your wing and acted more than what I asked for—not a mentor but a thoughtful second mother. You showed me what it’s like to live life to the fullest and so now I aim for much bigger dreams. Thank you for everything. I’m a much better person for knowing you. —Angelo Comsti, Offbeat

Margarita was truly simple yet impactful. Her kindness shone brightly, and it was evident that she cared deeply for everyone around her. Rather than acting as a boss, she served as a life coach, guiding us through her actions rather than just through her words. You couldn’t help but feel inspired by her warmth and compassion, making you want to mirror the same kindness she would exemplify. —Jorge Miguel Mendez, Mōdan

Margarita Forés, a heavyweight of selflessness and desire to better the industry and Filipino cuisine. She brought so many of us together with her kindness and knowledge. —Josh Boutwood, Helm

I’m very saddened by her passing. She was an inspiration and a guiding light to all us chefs, especially the young Filipina chefs. She was a very important beacon for us. I will truly miss her generous, warm, and vivacious spirit. Now that she rests, we will continue what she’s started and make her proud. —Miko Calo, Taquería Franco 

I remember once attending one of her Casa Artusi classes and I told her I hadn’t paid for my entrance yet and she told me not to worry about it, that she would take care of it. She knew I was starting out in the industry. I guess it’s a quality she had that many people felt, that of generosity.  As I got to know her a little more throughout the years, I realized a simple truth about her. She was a cook in its purest form. A cook whose purpose was to feed and nurture people, a reminder of what cooking is all about in the first place. We cook not for ourselves but for people. We bring people together through food. Thank you for the lessons learned and for showing us the way forward. —Stephan Duhesme, Metiz

Chef Margarita’s presence was a gift, her energy and good vibes were contagious, and she will always be one of the top icons in our industry, renowned for her love of the F&B industry. —Kalel Chan, Raintree Restaurant Group, Lobby 385

Margarita was one of the rare female chefs I’d always admired, fearlessly planting her dreams exactly where she envisioned them and nurturing them with unwavering conviction. Her resilience, courage, and grace lit the path for many of us to pursue our own dreams. For that, and so much more, we are forever grateful. Rest in peace. —Rhea Rizzo, Mrs. Saldo’s

Charles Montañez

I will always hold on to the memories of being picked up in school and being very excited to eat at the iconic Cibo at Shangri-la Plaza quite often with my parents and siblings. Thank you for paving the way for me and being an inspiration to all Filipino chefs! It’s bittersweet as I just saw you only a couple of weeks ago having our tacos and quesadillas and I kind of remember being excited to see you again as I knew it would be at the new place I’m about to open next. It pains me that it won’t happen anymore, but I know you will always shine your light upon us all, while we remember and respect the legacy you have left for all Filipino chefs. Rest in power chef GAF! —Charles Montañez, Mamacita

Chef Margarita was an icon, but it wasn’t just because of her great restaurants, it was because of who she was and what she has done for the country. Through her work, Filipino chefs like us are now able to appreciate and see where our cuisine and ingredients can take us. She was a trailblazer in our country’s culinary landscape. 

She will always be the chef that put Philippines on the map, and shared Filipino hospitality throughout the world. —Don Baldosano, Linamnam

Salamat, Chef Margarita, for your love, kindness, and generosity! Your impact on our lives and our industry is immeasurable. Thank you for always looking out for young and aspiring cooks, for believing in us, and for paving the way so we could take pride in our own cuisine. Your passion for Filipino food inspired a generation, and we will carry your legacy forward with gratitude and honor. You will always be remembered, and your influence will live on forever. —Thirdy Dolatre, Hapag

I will always call her Ms. Gaita because I respect her so much, even though she hates it. I remember meeting her for the first time, without hesitation, she gave me her number and told me to message her anytime if I needed any help. I sent her a thank you message with “Ms.” and her reply was “Just call me Margarita, no Ms. ok?” She was one of the kindest and most hardworking people I know in the industry. Her presence was always felt not because of her accolades, but because of her genuine kindness. —Pat Go, Your Local

Chef Margarita Forés was more than a culinary visionary, she was a force of nature, a tireless advocate for slow food, and a champion of Philippine gastronomy whose passion resonated in every dish she created. Her unwavering commitment to sustainability, local craftsmanship, and the preservation of our culinary heritage set her apart. Working alongside her at the Philippine booth during Terra Madre Salone del Gusto 2018 in Turin, Italy, was an unforgettable experience, one that celebrated not just the vibrant flavors of Filipino cuisine on a global stage, but also her deep-rooted philosophy of honoring the hands that feed us. She understood that food was more than sustenance, it was a story, a history, and a responsibility. Her passing leaves an immeasurable void, but her legacy endures in the countless lives she touched and the generations of chefs and food advocates she inspired. May her memory continue to guide us, igniting the same fire and dedication in those who will carry the torch forward. —Jam Melchor, Philippine Culinary Heritage Movement

She did not only believe in me. When I started 7Hectares here in Negros she would always make time to meet with me to see how we could start working together for Grace Park and Lusso. That was how I saw her passion and drive. She would sometimes highlight 7Hectares in some of her events and the unique way produce is cared for. I learned from her, she inspired me, she pushed me to drive the farm to its potential. Not only did she set the stage for culinary excellence in the Philippines, she also made sure that the foundations were strong. Her deep conviction and drive she passed on to me. —Kiko Torno, 7Hectares

There are rare individuals who don’t just serve a meal, they create moments of pure magic, uniting both food and people in a way that lingers long after the last bite. Tita Gaita was the only person I ever knew who could do this, and I experienced it firsthand. She had an infectious, charismatic, and warm aura that no one else could ever duplicate. An amazing chef, restaurateur, mentor, trailblazer, and a true “mother figure” in the F&B industry, she was all this and more. —Don Colmenares, Sauma

Beyond her amazing culinary credentials, it was Margarita’s passion for inclusiveness and unwavering commitment to create a space for Filipino talent to take stage is what’s had the most profound impact on me. Her energy, presence, and kind words during times of self doubt will always live inside me and my kitchen. Her willingness to share her time and knowledge with others have made her a beloved mentor and role model to myself and to generations to come. Thank you, Tita Margarita, for being a shining example of what it means to live a life of love, kindness, and compassion. I will think of you every time I touch the pass as your flowers take center stage in our new home. Just like Chef Miko Calo said, we will keep the fire burning for you." Until next time, grazie mille. —Nicco Santos, Celera