Margarita Forest, the Chef and the Restorer Behind Cibo, is dead

Margarita Forest, the glorious restaurateur and chef who gave us Cibo, Lusso and Grace Park, to name a few of her restaurants, have died. She was 65.

Her son, Amado, confirmed the news on social media on Tuesday, February 11.

“It is with a heavy heart that I share the sudden departure of my mother, Margarita A. Forés,” he wrote on Instagram.

“Our family mourns this unexpected loss and we are asking for your prayers during this time. We will be able to share more in due time,” he added.

Margarita revived Metro Manila restaurant scene when she opened Cibo in 1997, an elegant and relaxed Italian restaurant that quickly became a hit thanks to her delicious, non-nonsens-ticket award.

Soon she opened several restaurants such as Pepato, Lusso, Grace Park and a catering company Cibo de M.

In 2016, she was named Asia’s best female chef.

Margarita not only built an empire of restaurants, she also advanced local products and “Farm-to-Table” philosophy. In the last decade, she served not only local VIPs, but also states.

Already an accountant, Margarita took a trip to Italy who got her shift career. When she returned to Manila, she opened Cibo and the rest is history.

In recent years, she began working with her son Amado, who even opened a few restaurants such as Amano and Steak and Frice.

Our hearts go out to Margarita’s family and loved ones.

Thank you Margarita for introducing us to good food and feeding us delicious fare every single time.

– LA, GMA -Integrated News