Joshua Ramirez called a short time ago to say he no longer is the chef at Serritella's, the landmark Italian restaurant in Carmichael. His last day was Thursday, and word of his departure arrived too late for me to note the change in a review of Seritella's in this Sunday's preprinted Ticket+.

Ramirez said he's been the restaurant's chef "off and on" for about eight years, working for three different owners. He and the current owner, however, Robert Contreras, had an unspecified falling out. "I can’t be a part of it (the restaurant), and don’t want anyone to think I am," said Ramirez.

In confirming that Ramirez has left, Contreras said he doesn't expect any change in the restaurant's style of food, noting that he and his wife are actively involved in the kitchen and that at least one other veteran Serritella's chef remains aboard.