Heather Bertinetti has replaced Deborah Snyder at Alto. Bertinetti is the restaurant's third pastry chef in less than a year: Snyder, who came in after Tim Butler left last fall, plans to open her own place in Brooklyn. Both Snyder and chef Michael White say the parting was amicable.

Previously, Bertinetti worked the whisks at Per Se and Gramercy Tavern, and White is excited about his new hire. “We share the same vision for the use of Italian products. Heather has a great sensibility for use of sugar and great balance on acidity,” says the chef. “Her desserts are very clean and straight to the point.”

Snyder, esteemed for her cakes, has also worked at Lever House and Judson Grill. She plans to open a café and dessert bar in her Clinton Hill neighborhood. She expects the venture, Brooklyn Recipe, to open in the fall.

Related: Michael White on His Departed Pastry Chef: “He Was a Jerk.”