A famous celebrity chef has sadly died at the age of 65.
Margarita Forés, who was named Asia’s Best Female Chef of 2016, had wowed the likes of Michelin-starred chef Gordon Ramsay, music superstar Ed Sheeran and U2 frontman Bono. She owned her successful restaurant chain Cibo and graced the cover of Tatler Asia during her incredible culinary career.
Forés was reportedly found dead in her hotel room in Hong Kong. Her son Amado has confirmed her death on social media, writing: “Dear Friends and Family, It is with a heavy heart that I share the sudden passing of my Mom, Margarita A. Forés.
“Our family is mourning this unexpected loss, and we kindly ask for your prayers during this time. We will be able to share more in due time. With gratitude Amado.”
(Image: margaritafores/Instagram)
According to Manila Standard, the celebrated Filipino chef and restaurateur was found unresponsive in her hotel room after missing a scheduled lunch meeting. However, authorities have not disclosed her cause of death.
Forés, who graced the front cover of Tatler Asia, ran restaurants serving Italian cuisine of different varieties. She ran the restaurant chain Cibo, which now has over 20 different locations in the Philippines.
She recently worked with Gordon Ramsay and posed for snaps with him on her Instagram page, with boasts over 90k followers. She has also met the likes of Ed Sheeran.
(Image: margaritafores/Instagram)
The restauranteur originally trained as a public accountant before deciding to pursue a career in food. She trained in Italy before opening her first Cibo restaurant in 1997.
She told Esquire she wanted to compete with the likes of the TGIFridays and the Hard Rock Cafe. She said in 2016: “I remember when I started Cibo in 1997, putting the concept together, I was very clear: I wanted it to be in a mall setting.
“I wanted it to offer value for money and I wanted the food to be really authentic—the way they do it in Italy. At the same time, I also wanted it to be able to offer a concept that was homegrown, created by a Filipino.
(Image: margaritafores/Instagram)
“Because at that time, in 1997, the TGIFriday’s and the Hard Rock Cafés were making a killing, and people were paying a premium for these businesses that were making money in the Philippines but basically sending out their franchise fees abroad. So I wanted to be able to give them a run for their money at that time.”
Tributes from fans have flown in on social media after Forés’ son announced the heartbreaking news. One wrote: “‘I am deeply sorry for your loss. Your mother’s warmth and the love she poured into her cooking touched so many lives.
“Her incredible talent as a chef, and the meals she shared, will always be remembered with fondness and appreciation. May her memory bring you comfort in this difficult time.”
Another added: “I’m at such a loss for words. My deepest condolences to you and your family, Amado. I am so sorry.”
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
