Margarita Forés was more than a chef—she was a gift. 

When the World’s 50 Best Restaurants List crowned her as Asia’s Best Female Chef in  2016, it only confirmed what we already knew: this Filipina powerhouse cooked with a heart as big as her talent. 

On Metro Channel, she left us a legacy of shows that still flicker with her warmth, wit, and unmistakable sparkle. She’s gone now, but watching her weave through Italy’s kitchens or banter over a New York plate feels like sitting at her table again. With love and a pang of nostalgia, here’s a guide to the masterpieces she left behind—proof that her spirit still seasons everything she touched. Keep a tissue handy; this one’s for her.

Margarita Forés while shooting in Italy | Photo: Lala Ventura

1. My Italy with Margarita Forés

The gist: A love letter to Italy’s southern soul and Rome’s eternal charm.

Why you’ll watch: Forés doesn’t just cook—she hunts down the heart of Italian cuisine like a truffle pig with a vendetta. This isn’t your average food show; it’s a masterclass in how to live deliciously. From sun-drenched Sicilian bakeries to Roman trattorias, she’s your guide to the kind of meals that make you question why you’re still eating takeout.

Standout moment: Watching her dissect a perfect cacio e pepe with the reverence of a surgeon and the glee of a kid in a candy store.

When it hit: Premiered October 7, 2019, with reruns still popping up like a good vintage wine.

Pro tip: Pair this with a Negroni and pretend you’re in Naples. You’ll thank us later.

2. The Crawl: Italy

The gist: Forés and Matteo Guidicelli eat their way through Italy like it’s their job (spoiler: it is).

Why you’ll watch: Imagine this: two charismatic food fiends loose in Italy, hitting every pasta joint, gelateria, and hidden gem they can find. Guidicelli’s charm bounces off Forés’s culinary gravitas, making it feel like you’re tagging along with your coolest friends. It’s less a show, more a vicarious feast.

Standout moment: Forés schooling Matteo on the art of the perfect espresso shot while he tries (and fails) to keep up. Pure gold.

When it hit: Taped in 2018 and rolled out as part of Metro Channel’s first anniversary flex in April 2019. Check the archives or pray for a rerun.

Pro tip: Keep a notebook handy—those restaurant recs are date-night material.

3. The Crawl: New York

The gist: Forés teams up with Edu Manzano to tackle the Big Apple’s edible underbelly.

Why you’ll watch: This is Forés unleashed in NYC—think Filipino adobo in Queens, diner classics in Midtown, and a side of Central Park swagger. Manzano’s old-school cool meshes with her food-world clout, turning every bite into a story. It’s a love letter to the city’s chaos and a reminder that Forés can make even a hotdog sound gourmet.

Standout moment: The duo chowing down on lumpia at a Filipino joint near the World Trade Center site—nostalgia meets skyscraper vibes.

When it hit: Dropped September 25, 2019, at 8 p.m., with a flurry of airings through early October. Hunt the schedule for a replay.

Pro tip: Watch this with a cold beer and a slice of pizza. It’s the New York way.

4. At The Table

The gist: Forés steps into the spotlight among a roster of culinary stars, sharing her journey from passion to plate. 

Why you’ll watch: This isn’t just a cooking show—it’s a confessional booth for chefs, and Forés bares her soul. In Season 2, which aired in August 2018, she recounts her humble beginnings, from market days in Cubao to building the Cibo empire. Her episodes are a bittersweet reminder of her grit, her grace, and the love she poured into every dish. It’s intimate, raw, and utterly her. 

Standout Moment: Hearing her voice crack as she talks about the Italian signoras who shaped her—mentors she carried with her to the end. 

When it hit: Season 2 premiered August 2018, with Forés gracing new episodes alongside chefs like Miko Aspiras and Nicco Santos. Dig into Metro Channel’s vaults for this gem. 

Pro tip: Watch with a glass of red and a plate of her signature pasta. It’s like she’s still cooking for you.

Forés on a 'pilgrimage' to Harry's Bar in Italy | Photo: Lala Ventura

Why Margarita Forés rules the airwaves

Forés isn’t just cooking or eating out on Metro Channel—she’s curating experiences. Her shows blend travelogue finesse with culinary heft, all wrapped in her signature charisma. Whether she’s waxing poetic about a Roman artichoke or bantering with co-hosts over a plate of pancit, she’s the rare chef who makes you feel like you’re part of the meal. Metro Channel knew what they were doing when they handed her the reins—these aren’t just shows, they’re a lifestyle upgrade.

So, fire up your TV (or scour the streaming ether), and let Forés take you on a ride. Just don’t blame us when your grocery bill (or restaurant expenses) spike—you’ll want to eat and cook everything she touches.