Julie Cortes was born and raised in Parañaque, just outside Manila in the Philippines. She earned a degree in Hotel, Restaurant, and Institution Management before coming to the United States for an externship at The Sagamore Resort in upstate New York.
After graduating, she joined Wildflour Café + Bakery in Manila, where she quickly rose to sous chef and spent three years building a strong foundation in both savory and pastry kitchens.
In 2018, Cortes relocated to Washington, D.C., joining the opening team at Del Mar. She later continued her growth at Kaliwa, where she rose to chef de cuisine and helped shape the restaurant’s culinary direction.
In 2023, she joined the opening team of Hiraya Café, further refining her skills in bread and pastry. Following its closure, Cortes became executive chef of Kayu, a Filipino tasting-menu concept, where she highlights the flavors of the Philippines through refined, modern dishes.
In November 2025, Cortes won the Capital Food Fight. In 2026, she was named a Rising Star by StarChefs, cementing her status as one of Washington’s leading emerging culinary talents. Beyond the kitchen, she is actively involved in community and advocacy work, supporting organizations focused on food access and AAPI representation.