United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) has designated Filipina Chef Maria Margarita A. Forés as its Ambassador for Gastronomy Tourism.
Margarita Forés was honored as a champion for sustainable agriculture and food during the 23rd WTO Congress held on September 12 (September 13 PHL Time) in Saint Petersburg, Russia.
The Filipina chef received the honors from the UNWTO, the arm of the United Nations tasked with “the promotion of responsible, sustainable, and universally accessible tourism as an instrument in reducing poverty and fostering sustainable development worldwide.”
Chef Forés received her plaque from UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvila during a lunch reception hosted by the Philippines’ Department of Tourism where over 1,000 delegates were served Filipino food.
The Filipina chef went on social media with a photo of her plaque as she thanked the UNWTO, DOT official Bernadette Romulo-Puyat, and her team, saying, “I carry our flag in my heart as I represent our beloved country in this role.”
Chef Margarita Forés is an Asia’s Best Female Chef awardee of Asia’s Best 50 Restaurants publication.
She has been credited for bringing Filipino food to the global scene through her efforts at showcasing local flavors from the Philippines such as when she prepared lunch for American lifestyle guru Martha Stewart who visited the country in August. She has also been featured on CNN television’s Culinary Journeys.
Margarita Forés is a former certified public accountant who started loving Italian cooking in 1986. She has since offered Italian cuisine through her chain of successful Italian restaurants including Cibo, Lusso, Grace Park, and Alta.
Her expertise in Italian cuisine has also made Forés a proud advocate of Filipino dishes. She has co-authored Kulinarya, a selection of popular regional dishes.
SEND congratulations and cheers in the comments below to Chef Margarita Forés for championing Filipino culinary expertise to a worldwide audience!
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