Public viewing set for late chef-restaurateur Margarita Forés
Public visitation has been set for renowned chef and restaurateur Margarita Fores, who passed away at 65 years old.
Her son, Amado, shared details of the public viewing in an Instagram post on Saturday, Feb. 15.
It will take place on Wednesday, Feb. 19 at New Frontier Theater in Quezon City from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Prior to this, visitation will be held at Bahay na Puti in Quezon City on Monday, Feb. 17 for her hospitality teams and Tuesday, Feb. 18 for her family and friends.
A novena mass is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. from Feb. 17 to 19.
"Margarita was a cancer survivor and also rescued cats. So, in lieu of flowers, a donation to the ICANSERVE Foundation Inc. or CARA Welfare Philippines Inc. will be much appreciated," her family said.
Margarita died on the morning of Feb. 11 in Hong Kong, her family said in a statement sent to PhilSTAR L!fe.
She ran a variety of restaurants in the country and was named Asia's Best Female Chef in 2016.
The Filipino chef grew up in Manila but eventually moved to New York City with her family when she was in college.
While she initially finished with a degree in accountancy, Margarita kickstarted her culinary career when she went to Italy in 1986 and studied under three chefs to master Italian cuisine.
Margarita started in the industry as a caterer, having created the company Cibo Di M. This eventually fostered her first Cibo restaurant in 1997 where customers enjoyed a wide range of authentic Italian dishes.
The brand now has more than 30 locations across the Philippines.
In addition to the Cibo chain, she also owned other restaurants: Lusso, Grace Park, and Alta.
