Julia de la Fuente, Executive Chef
Julia de la Fuente is CDS's new Executive Chef. Since joining CDS four years ago, she quickly advanced from overseeing the salad bar to Sous Chef while also managing the allergen program as our Purple Allergen Leader (PAL), successfully elevating the school's allergen safety program to the highest standards. A proven competitor, Julia and Chef Richard Perks placed 3rd in Aramark’s 2023 Canadian Chefs' Cup. The two returned to compete together again in 2025, holding their own against other private school chefs, high end hotel chefs, and corporate chefs. Her leadership and commitment to genuine hospitality recently earned her Aramark’s prestigious 2026 AAA Hospitality Award. Outside the professional kitchen, Julia is a passionate baker and cake decorator who channels her creativity into custom catering for family and friends.
What is your favourite meal to prepare for your family?
Braised leg of lamb, which I turn into a ragu with ricotta gnocchi.
Favourite holiday side dish?
My mom's roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon and Argentinian empanadas.
Favourite part of working in a school dining hall?
Getting to talk to all the students and staff every day. I love hearing their feedback about all the
different meals.
Things you enjoy when not in a kitchen?
Spending time with my family at the cottage. Enjoying each others company over food, going
out boating/fishing and a bonfire.
Back
Braised leg of lamb, which I turn into a ragu with ricotta gnocchi.
Favourite holiday side dish?
My mom's roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon and Argentinian empanadas.
Favourite part of working in a school dining hall?
Getting to talk to all the students and staff every day. I love hearing their feedback about all the
different meals.
Things you enjoy when not in a kitchen?
Spending time with my family at the cottage. Enjoying each others company over food, going
out boating/fishing and a bonfire.
Land Acknowledgment
The Country Day School wishes to recognize and acknowledge the land on which the school operates. Our nearest Indigenous Nations are now the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and the Chippewas of Georgina Island. The Dish with One Spoon Wampum covenant is often cited as an example of the shared responsibility for caring for these lands among the Huron-Wendat, Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee peoples who would call these their traditional territories. CDS respects the relationship with these lands and recognizes that our connection to this land can be strengthened by our continued relationship with all First Nations, by acknowledging our shared responsibility to respect and care for the land and waters for future generations.
School Information
Junior, Middle and Senior Schools
13415 Dufferin Street, King, Ontario L7B 1K5
(905) 833-1220
communications@cds.on.ca
admissions@cds.on.ca
Founded in 1972, The Country Day School is a co-educational private school offering programs in JK-12 and located on 100 acres north of Toronto in King.
13415 Dufferin Street, King, Ontario L7B 1K5
(905) 833-1220
communications@cds.on.ca
admissions@cds.on.ca
Founded in 1972, The Country Day School is a co-educational private school offering programs in JK-12 and located on 100 acres north of Toronto in King.
