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Erwan Heussaff pays tribute to late Margarita Fores: ‘She was like an aunt that we never knew we had’

Article (news)

Nikka Avegail Sabio

Push Team

<p>Content creator and food vlogger Erwan Heussaff shared how the late chef Margarita Forés played a significant role in his journey through the food industry.</p><p>On his social media page, Erwan recalled his first encounter with Margarita and the unforgettable dish she prepared.</p><p>“I first met Margarita when I was a young teenager. We were invited to her vacation home and my strongest memory from that trip was the breakfast that she served us,” Erwan recalled.</p><div><br/></div><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DF9gdcRJKWy/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style="background:#FFF;border:0;border-radius:3px;box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15);margin:1px;max-width:540px;min-width:326px;padding:0;width:calc(100% - 2px)"><div style="padding:16px"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DF9gdcRJKWy/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style="background:#FFFFFF;line-height:0;padding:0 0;text-align:center;text-decoration:none;width:100%" target="_blank"><div style="display:flex;flex-direction:row;align-items:center"><div style="background-color:#F4F4F4;border-radius:50%;flex-grow:0;height:40px;margin-right:14px;width:40px"><br/></div><div style="display:flex;flex-direction:column;flex-grow:1;justify-content:center"><div style="background-color:#F4F4F4;border-radius:4px;flex-grow:0;height:14px;margin-bottom:6px;width:100px"><br/></div><div style="background-color:#F4F4F4;border-radius:4px;flex-grow:0;height:14px;width:60px"><br/></div></div></div><div style="padding:19% 0"><br/></div><div style="display:block;height:50px;margin:0 auto 12px;width:50px"><br/></div><div style="padding-top:8px"><div style="color:#3897f0;line-height:18px">View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding:12.5% 0"><br/></div><div style="display:flex;flex-direction:row;margin-bottom:14px;align-items:center"><div><div style="background-color:#F4F4F4;border-radius:50%;height:12.5px;width:12.5px;transform:translateX(0px) translateY(7px)"><br/></div><div style="background-color:#F4F4F4;height:12.5px;transform:rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px);width:12.5px;flex-grow:0;margin-right:14px;margin-left:2px"><br/></div><div style="background-color:#F4F4F4;border-radius:50%;height:12.5px;width:12.5px;transform:translateX(9px) translateY(-18px)"><br/></div></div><div style="margin-left:8px"><div style="background-color:#F4F4F4;border-radius:50%;flex-grow:0;height:20px;width:20px"><br/></div><div style="width:0;height:0;border-top:2px solid transparent;border-left:6px solid #f4f4f4;border-bottom:2px solid transparent;transform:translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"><br/></div></div><div style="margin-left:auto"><div style="width:0px;border-top:8px solid #F4F4F4;border-right:8px solid transparent;transform:translateY(16px)"><br/></div><div style="background-color:#F4F4F4;flex-grow:0;height:12px;width:16px;transform:translateY(-4px)"><br/></div><div style="width:0;height:0;border-top:8px solid #F4F4F4;border-left:8px solid transparent;transform:translateY(-4px) translateX(8px)"><br/></div></div></div><div style="display:flex;flex-direction:column;flex-grow:1;justify-content:center;margin-bottom:24px"><div style="background-color:#F4F4F4;border-radius:4px;flex-grow:0;height:14px;margin-bottom:6px;width:224px"><br/></div><div style="background-color:#F4F4F4;border-radius:4px;flex-grow:0;height:14px;width:144px"><br/></div></div></a><div style="color:#c9c8cd;line-height:17px;margin-bottom:0;margin-top:8px;overflow:hidden;padding:8px 0 7px;text-align:center;text-overflow:ellipsis;white-space:nowrap"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DF9gdcRJKWy/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style="color:#c9c8cd;line-height:17px;text-decoration:none" target="_blank">A post shared by Erwan Heussaff (@erwan)</a></div></div></blockquote><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><p>He described the meal as one of his most vivid food memories.</p><p>“Talangka with fried rice sat on a table, surrounded by condiments, dried fish and probably lots of other dishes that I can&#x27;t now recall. Until this day, it&#x27;s one of my strongest food memories,” he added.</p><p>Erwan praised Margarita’s generosity, saying, “Her table brimmed with generosity. You never have a meeting with Margarita without leaving with a bag full of snacks.”</p><p>Reflecting on his experience working with the renowned Filipino chef, Erwan shared how honored he and his team at FEATR Media felt when they produced a film about her last year.</p><p>“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,” Erwan revealed.</p><p>Looking up to Margarita, Erwan admired how her contributions and passion for Filipino cuisine inspired many.</p><p>“Margarita is one of the few culinary icons that we had to look up to, as we matured in the food industry. 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,” he said.</p><div><br/></div><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/C6TQOICu3U9/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style="background:#FFF;border:0;border-radius:3px;box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15);margin:1px;max-width:540px;min-width:326px;padding:0;width:calc(100% - 2px)"><div style="padding:16px"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C6TQOICu3U9/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style="background:#FFFFFF;line-height:0;padding:0 0;text-align:center;text-decoration:none;width:100%" target="_blank"><div style="display:flex;flex-direction:row;align-items:center"><div style="background-color:#F4F4F4;border-radius:50%;flex-grow:0;height:40px;margin-right:14px;width:40px"><br/></div><div style="display:flex;flex-direction:column;flex-grow:1;justify-content:center"><div style="background-color:#F4F4F4;border-radius:4px;flex-grow:0;height:14px;margin-bottom:6px;width:100px"><br/></div><div style="background-color:#F4F4F4;border-radius:4px;flex-grow:0;height:14px;width:60px"><br/></div></div></div><div style="padding:19% 0"><br/></div><div style="display:block;height:50px;margin:0 auto 12px;width:50px"><br/></div><div style="padding-top:8px"><div style="color:#3897f0;line-height:18px">View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding:12.5% 0"><br/></div><div style="display:flex;flex-direction:row;margin-bottom:14px;align-items:center"><div><div style="background-color:#F4F4F4;border-radius:50%;height:12.5px;width:12.5px;transform:translateX(0px) translateY(7px)"><br/></div><div style="background-color:#F4F4F4;height:12.5px;transform:rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px);width:12.5px;flex-grow:0;margin-right:14px;margin-left:2px"><br/></div><div style="background-color:#F4F4F4;border-radius:50%;height:12.5px;width:12.5px;transform:translateX(9px) translateY(-18px)"><br/></div></div><div style="margin-left:8px"><div style="background-color:#F4F4F4;border-radius:50%;flex-grow:0;height:20px;width:20px"><br/></div><div style="width:0;height:0;border-top:2px solid transparent;border-left:6px solid #f4f4f4;border-bottom:2px solid transparent;transform:translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"><br/></div></div><div style="margin-left:auto"><div style="width:0px;border-top:8px solid #F4F4F4;border-right:8px solid transparent;transform:translateY(16px)"><br/></div><div style="background-color:#F4F4F4;flex-grow:0;height:12px;width:16px;transform:translateY(-4px)"><br/></div><div style="width:0;height:0;border-top:8px solid #F4F4F4;border-left:8px solid transparent;transform:translateY(-4px) translateX(8px)"><br/></div></div></div><div style="display:flex;flex-direction:column;flex-grow:1;justify-content:center;margin-bottom:24px"><div style="background-color:#F4F4F4;border-radius:4px;flex-grow:0;height:14px;margin-bottom:6px;width:224px"><br/></div><div style="background-color:#F4F4F4;border-radius:4px;flex-grow:0;height:14px;width:144px"><br/></div></div></a><div style="color:#c9c8cd;line-height:17px;margin-bottom:0;margin-top:8px;overflow:hidden;padding:8px 0 7px;text-align:center;text-overflow:ellipsis;white-space:nowrap"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C6TQOICu3U9/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style="color:#c9c8cd;line-height:17px;text-decoration:none" target="_blank">A post shared by Margarita Forés (@margaritafores)</a></div></div></blockquote><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><p>Erwan went on: “It was like working with someone that you aspire to become.”</p><p>Erwan fondly described Margarita as a caring aunt, always engaged and attentive.</p><p>“Each time we caught up, she was like an Aunt that we never knew we had. She would be up to date with what you were doing, asking lots of questions and always fed you something,” he expressed. “Her food, as she best put it, is a warm embrace.”</p><p>He concluded his heartfelt tribute with, “Margarita&#x27;s light and influence on the Filipino Food scene will live on forever.”</p><p>Margarita Forés&#x27;s passing was announced by her son, Amado Forés, on February 11.</p><p>“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. We kindly ask for your prayers during this time. We will be able to share more in due time,” he said in the post.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/2/11/renowned-chef-margarita-for-s-passes-away-1825"><strong>READ: Renowned chef Margarita Forés passes away<br/></strong></a></div><p>Many celebrities and culinary personalities, both local and international, paid tribute to the 65-year-old award-winning chef and restaurateur.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/lifestyle/people/2025/2/12/chefs-pay-tribute-to-chef-margarita-fores-1127"><strong>READ: Remembering Margarita Forés: Chefs Pay Tribute to Their Colleague and Friend</strong></a></div><p>Actor Matteo Guidicelli honored Margarita, whom he considered a mentor and dear friend.</p><p>&quot;Ciao Tita. You will be deeply missed,&quot; he said. &quot;We shared so many special moments together, and I will always be grateful for your encouragement and motivation, especially in the restaurant business.&quot;</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/showbiz/celebrities/2025/2/12/-you-will-be-deeply-missed-matteo-guidicelli-pays-tribute-to-margarita-fores-1341"><strong>READ: &#x27;You will be deeply missed&#x27;: Matteo Guidicelli pays tribute to Margarita Fores<br/></strong></a></div><p>Filipino content creator Abi Marquez also shared a heartfelt message.</p><p>“‘Must cook for you soon’ — words I wish we had time for. You were one of my biggest inspirations long before we met, and this moment meant the world to me. Thank you for your kindness, your legacy — the Cibo pizza you sent me last Sunday 😭,” she said in a post.</p><div><br/></div><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DF8B6aWTT8j/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style="background:#FFF;border:0;border-radius:3px;box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15);margin:1px;max-width:540px;min-width:326px;padding:0;width:calc(100% - 2px)"><div style="padding:16px"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DF8B6aWTT8j/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style="background:#FFFFFF;line-height:0;padding:0 0;text-align:center;text-decoration:none;width:100%" target="_blank"><div style="display:flex;flex-direction:row;align-items:center"><div style="background-color:#F4F4F4;border-radius:50%;flex-grow:0;height:40px;margin-right:14px;width:40px"><br/></div><div style="display:flex;flex-direction:column;flex-grow:1;justify-content:center"><div style="background-color:#F4F4F4;border-radius:4px;flex-grow:0;height:14px;margin-bottom:6px;width:100px"><br/></div><div style="background-color:#F4F4F4;border-radius:4px;flex-grow:0;height:14px;width:60px"><br/></div></div></div><div style="padding:19% 0"><br/></div><div style="display:block;height:50px;margin:0 auto 12px;width:50px"><br/></div><div style="padding-top:8px"><div style="color:#3897f0;line-height:18px">View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding:12.5% 0"><br/></div><div style="display:flex;flex-direction:row;margin-bottom:14px;align-items:center"><div><div style="background-color:#F4F4F4;border-radius:50%;height:12.5px;width:12.5px;transform:translateX(0px) translateY(7px)"><br/></div><div style="background-color:#F4F4F4;height:12.5px;transform:rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px);width:12.5px;flex-grow:0;margin-right:14px;margin-left:2px"><br/></div><div style="background-color:#F4F4F4;border-radius:50%;height:12.5px;width:12.5px;transform:translateX(9px) translateY(-18px)"><br/></div></div><div style="margin-left:8px"><div style="background-color:#F4F4F4;border-radius:50%;flex-grow:0;height:20px;width:20px"><br/></div><div style="width:0;height:0;border-top:2px solid transparent;border-left:6px solid #f4f4f4;border-bottom:2px solid transparent;transform:translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"><br/></div></div><div style="margin-left:auto"><div style="width:0px;border-top:8px solid #F4F4F4;border-right:8px solid transparent;transform:translateY(16px)"><br/></div><div style="background-color:#F4F4F4;flex-grow:0;height:12px;width:16px;transform:translateY(-4px)"><br/></div><div style="width:0;height:0;border-top:8px solid #F4F4F4;border-left:8px solid transparent;transform:translateY(-4px) translateX(8px)"><br/></div></div></div><div style="display:flex;flex-direction:column;flex-grow:1;justify-content:center;margin-bottom:24px"><div style="background-color:#F4F4F4;border-radius:4px;flex-grow:0;height:14px;margin-bottom:6px;width:224px"><br/></div><div style="background-color:#F4F4F4;border-radius:4px;flex-grow:0;height:14px;width:144px"><br/></div></div></a><div style="color:#c9c8cd;line-height:17px;margin-bottom:0;margin-top:8px;overflow:hidden;padding:8px 0 7px;text-align:center;text-overflow:ellipsis;white-space:nowrap"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DF8B6aWTT8j/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style="color:#c9c8cd;line-height:17px;text-decoration:none" target="_blank">A post shared by Abi Marquez | Food Content Creator (@abigailfmarquez)</a></div></div></blockquote><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><p>“You left a mark on so many, especially many Filipinas in the kitchen. Rest in power Chef @margaritafores,” Abi added.</p>

<p>Erwan Heussaff shares the impact of late chef Margarita Fores on his culinary life.</p>

Erwan Heussaff shares the impact of late chef Margarita Fores on his culinary life.