San Francisco

• Desert Storm. Julian Serrano, James Beard/American Express Best Chef: California 1998, has joined the restaurant rush to Belaggio Resort & Casino in Las Vegas. Serrano left Masa's after 13 years as executive chef in order to sign a five-year contract to open Picasso by Serrano in the soon-to-be-completed casino. Serrano joins Michael Mina of Aqua, Sottha Khunn of Le Cirque 2000, Jean-Georges Vongerichten of Jean Georges in New York, and Todd English of Boston's Olives in setting up shop in the $2 billion property. Sous-chef Chad Callahan has replaced Serrano at Masa's.

• In North Beach, the decade-old Dianda's Pastry at 565 Green Street has closed. The Sodini family, owners of Sodini's Green Valley Restaurant and Golden Boy Pizza, have taken over the lease and plan to transform the 36-seat space into a casual cafe. Meanwhile, Dianda's delicious pastries--including the wonderful almond torte--will be sold nearby at Mara's Italian Pastries and Caffe Trieste. .