Chef Tatung, Erwan Heussaff, Abi Marquez pay tribute to Margarita Forés
Margarita Forés was remembered by her colleagues in the food industry, and among them were Chef Tatung, Erwan Heussaff and Abi Marquez who regard the late chef as an inspiration and a true icon.
Chef Tatung honored Forés, whose artistry, dedication and love for food, he said, were “unparalleled.”
“The culinary world is mourning the loss of a true icon, Gaita Forés. The passionate advocate of Filipino cuisine and an inspiration to so many leaves behind a legacy that will continue to shape the industry for generations,” he wrote on his Facebook page.
Heussaff, a known personality in the local food and beverage scene, recalled meeting Forés when he visited her vacation home when he was a teenager.
Heussaff underscored how the dish Forés served at the time is still one of his “strongest food memories” up to this day.
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“Last year we had the honor of putting together a film for her. We had done hundreds of documentaries at that point, but that whole week I was nervous. Margarita is one of the few culinary icons that we had to look up to, as we matured in the food industry,” he said.
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“Not only did she create some of the most successful brands, but she was continuously curious about Filipino food and the ingredients that we have. It was like working with someone that you aspire to become,” he continued.
Heussaff also described the late chef as an “aunt that [he] never knew [he] had.”
“Her food, as she best put it, is a warm embrace. Margarita’s light and influence on the Filipino Food scene will live on forever,” he added.
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Food content creator Marquez, for her part, shared a photo from her first meeting with Forés, lamenting how they did not have the time to bond over food.
“You were one of my biggest inspirations long before we met, and this moment meant the world to me,” Marquez said in the caption. “Thank you for your kindness, your legacy… You left a mark on so many, especially many Filipinas in the kitchen. Rest in power Chef.”
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Celebrity chef and actress Judy Ann Santos also took to her Instagram Stories to share good words about Forés.
“You will never be forgotten, chef. Heaven gained a talented and inspiring angel,” Santos wrote.
Several other chefs including Chele Gonzalez, Happy Ongpauco-Tiu, xpressed their grief over Forés’ passing via their respective Instagram pages.
“You welcomed me into your life with warmth and friendship. Thank you for everything you gave me. You were deeply loved and will be so missed, but now it’s time for you to rest in peace,” Gonzalez wrote.
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“You have always been an inspiration to me and will always be! Your legacy will never be forgotten, dear Gaita,” Ongpauco-Tiu said. “Rest well, my idol! Cook up a feast in heaven, and know that you will be deeply missed.”
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Image: Instagram/@aaronisip