The Philippine culinary scene lost a true visionary with the passing of Margarita Forés.
But what a legacy she leaves behind!
From the bustling Italian caffé of Cibo to the elegant ambiance of Lusso, Chef Margarita carved a unique space in the hearts (and stomachs) of Filipino diners.
Her restaurants weren’t just places to eat; they were destinations, offering a slice of Italy with a distinct Filipino flair.
Let’s embark on a flavorful journey through the restaurants that defined her remarkable career.
Cibo: A Taste of Italy in the Philippines
Imagine this: Milan and Rome, but with a Filipino twist.
That was the inspiration behind Cibo, founded in 1997.
Margarita envisioned a modern Italian caffé-paninoteca, a place where you could grab a quick, delicious bite that transported you straight to Italy.
The first Cibo opened its doors in Glorietta 3, later relocating to Glorietta 4, and then expanded to Gateway Mall.
What started as a single spot quickly blossomed into a culinary empire.
And it wasn’t just about importing Italian flavors; it was about celebrating local bounty.
Cibo’s philosophy hinges on sourcing the finest ingredients, from Italian pasta and olive oil to the freshest local harvests.
Organic greens, herbs, squash flowers, sweet mangoes, strawberries, organic chicken, and freshly caught crabs and shrimp – Cibo beautifully wove together the best of both worlds.
Is it any wonder it became a Filipino favorite?
Today, you can find Cibo in numerous locations, including Alabang Town Center, Ayala Center Cebu, Ayala Malls Capitol Central in Bacolod, Eastwood Mall, Evia Lifestyle Center, Greenhills Mall, Manila Bay, Power Plant Mall, Robinsons Magnolia, Shangri-La Plaza, SM Aura Premier, SM City Bacolod, SM Megamall Fashion Hall, SM Mall of Asia Square, SM Seaside City Cebu, Solenad 3 in Nuvali, Southwoods Mall, The 30th in Pasig, UP Town Center, Uptown BGC, Venice Grand Canal Mall, and Vertis North.
That’s a lot of deliciousness spread across the country!
Cibo is celebrated for its signature Spinaci Zola Dip, a creamy delight that’s hard to resist, and the comforting Penne al Telefono.
And who can forget the refreshing Grape Shake?
The brand even expanded to Cibo Rapido – a cafeteria-style concept at OPUS Mall.
Cibo’s impact reached far beyond the Philippines.
In a testament to its quality and appeal, it was recognized internationally as one of the world’s top artisan pizza chains, securing the 44th spot.
Not bad for a little caffé inspired by Italy, right?
Lusso: Where Luxury Meets Comfort Food
Fast forward to 2009, and Margarita unveiled Lusso, meaning “luxury” in Italian, in Greenbelt 5, Makati City.
Lusso embodies her penchant for elegance, offering a subtle fusion of Italian flavors with a luxurious touch.
Think luxe comfort food, elevated with the finest ingredients and a touch of culinary artistry.
The restaurant quickly became known for its signature dishes.
Imagine sinking your teeth into a Foie Gras Burger, indulging in Luxe Fries with Truffle Salt, or savoring the delicate Prosciutto Chive Mousse Barquillos.
And let’s not forget the Taglierni De Russo Pasta, the heavenly White Chocolate Tiramisu, or the decadent Lobster and River Prawn Roll.
Are you hungry yet?
I know I am!
In 2023, Lusso expanded its reach with a second branch in Balmori Suites, Rockwell, bringing its sophisticated flavors to a new audience.
Margarita also launched Lusso’s Afternoon Tea Set in September of the previous year, celebrating her late mother, Baby Araneta-Fores’s birthday.
It was an intimate and elegant dining experience that merged Margarita’s nostalgia with British tradition.
What a beautiful way to honor her mother’s memory.
In January, Lusso expanded to Mandaluyong City, offering a sophisticated two-story dining experience.
It shows the continued growth and evolution of Margarita’s culinary vision.
Does this remind you of the last time you were dining out with friends?
Grace Park: A Farm-to-Table Champion
Grace Park, which opened in 2013 in One Rockwell, Makati, took a different approach.
It became a champion for the farm-to-table movement, emphasizing organic and locally sourced ingredients.
Margarita believed in showcasing the Philippines’ rich agricultural heritage, bringing the freshest produce straight from the farm to the table.
The menu featured dishes like the Duck Confit with Adlai Risotto, a perfect example of comfort food elevated with local ingredients, and the signature Carbonara made with organic eggs and pancetta.
Simple, honest, and bursting with flavor.
It opened its second branch a year later in Araneta City, Cubao, gaining more popularity for Filipino dishes like Filipino food like kansi, baked capiz scallops, roast bone marrow, lechon sisig, and diwal pasta, golden cassava cake, and spaghettini with baby crab fat.
Alta: A Fusion of Italian and Filipino Flavors
In 2016, Margarita launched Alta at Ascott Bonifacio Global City.
Here, she masterfully melded Italian and Filipino flavors, creating a unique culinary experience that showcased the best of both worlds.
Think Truffle Mushroom Risotto with a Filipino twist, or Lamb Shank Ossobuco served with Saffron Risotto.
Is your mouth watering yet?
Other standout dishes included the Spinach Tagliatelle, the playful Deviled Egg Trio, and the comforting Adobo Flakes Pasta.
Alta was a testament to Margarita’s creativity and her ability to seamlessly blend culinary traditions.
Supporting the Next Generation: A Mano and Steak & Frice
Margarita wasn’t just a culinary icon herself; she was also a mentor and supporter of the next generation of chefs.
She played a key role in the success of A Mano, her son Amado’s Italian restaurant, which opened its first branch in Power Plant Mall, Rockwell in 2019.
In 2022, it opened in Bonifacio Global City and Araneta City in 2023.
“A Mano,” meaning “by hand” in Italian, quickly rose to fame for its handmade and fresh Italian pasta, brick-oven Neapolitan-style pizzas, and delightful burrata soft-serve gelato.
It was a family affair, and Margarita’s influence was evident in every delicious bite.
She also supported Amado’s new steakhouse concept, Steak and Frice, in Bonifacio Global City.
It was here that she even had the chance to meet singer Ed Sheeran, who dined in the restaurant during his visit to the Philippines!
Talk about a celebrity endorsement!
Ramen Ronto: A Batchoy-Inspired Collaboration
In May 2024, Margarita collaborated with Amado’s ramen concept, Ramen Ronto, to create a limited-edition Batchoy-inspired ramen with Japanese chef Hiroyuki Tamura.
This was a true fusion of flavors, inspired by her Ilonggo roots.
How incredible is that?
Merging Japanese ramen techniques with the deep and distinct flavors of the Filipino batchoy, the dish received rave reviews, so much so that it became a permanent fixture on Ramen Ronto’s menu.
It’s a testament to Margarita’s ability to innovate and create dishes that resonate with diners on a deeply personal level.
A personal ode to Margarita’s favorite Negrense delicacy, the Ilonggo classic sticks true to its roots, but using the proper noodles-to-broth ratio of chef Hiroyuki.
Upon first sip, it tastes just like the comforting batchoy, using thin and chewy ramen noodles, and a Ukokkei Batchoy-based broth loaded with the indulgent works – pork liver, torched bone marrow, crushed chicharon, a jammy shio tamago, and super tender house-made chashu, including the native guinamos from Negros.
The perfect blend of comfort and innovation?
And we can’t forget Pepato, which was located in Greenbelt 2 in the early 2000s before it closed in 2010.
It was another chapter in her culinary story, showcasing her diverse talents and passion for Italian cuisine.
A look back at Margarita Forés welcoming diners to The Loggia, showcasing her vision for creating memorable dining experiences.
A news report covering the passing of Margarita Forés, highlighting her significant contributions to the culinary world.
Margarita Forés: A Legacy of Flavor
Margarita Forés wasn’t just a chef; she was a culinary ambassador, a mentor, and an inspiration.
Her restaurants brought joy to countless Filipinos, and her passion for food left an indelible mark on the Philippine culinary scene.
What do you remember most about her influence?
Her legacy will continue to inspire generations of chefs and food lovers for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions About Margarita Forés’ Culinary Legacy
What type of cuisine was Margarita Forés known for?
Margarita Forés was primarily known for her Italian cuisine, but she also masterfully blended Italian and Filipino flavors in her restaurants.
What was Margarita Forés’ first restaurant?
Margarita Forés’ first restaurant was Cibo, an Italian caffé-paninoteca founded in 1997.
What was the concept behind Grace Park?
Grace Park was a farm-to-table restaurant that emphasized organic and locally sourced ingredients.
What kind of food did Lusso specialize in?
Lusso specialized in luxe comfort food, offering a subtle fusion of Italian flavors with a luxurious touch.
Where can I find A Mano restaurant?
A Mano restaurants can be found in Power Plant Mall, Rockwell, Bonifacio Global City and Araneta City.
Celebrating the Enduring Influence of Margarita Forés
Margarita Forés’ contributions to the Philippine culinary scene are immeasurable.
Her innovative approach to blending Italian and Filipino flavors, her commitment to using local ingredients, and her mentorship of the next generation of chefs have left a lasting impact.
Her restaurants remain destinations for food lovers, and her legacy will continue to inspire culinary creativity for years to come.
Continuing the Culinary Journey
- Explore the menus of Margarita Forés’ restaurants, such as Cibo, Lusso, and Grace Park, to experience her culinary vision firsthand.
- Support local chefs and restaurants that champion Filipino flavors and sustainable practices, inspired by Margarita Forés’ commitment to local sourcing.
- Share your memories and experiences of dining at Margarita Forés’ restaurants to celebrate her legacy and impact on the Philippine food culture.
