At The Table With Duane Densmore, The Villa Restaurant

WAYLAND, MA—At a very young age, Duane Densmore got started in the restaurant business. His dad owned and operated the Dairy Hut on Route 20 in Northborough, and that's where Densmore's "education of cooking" began.

He's a graduate of Franklin High School and has some college education. During high school Densmore worked at The Dairy Hut and in the off season as a short order cook for Klein Innsbruck ski area in Franklin.

While serving in the military, he worked part time as a cook at the officer’s club at Camp Darby in Livrono, Italy.

Fast forward, and Densmore is now the chief operation officer at The Villa Restaurant in Wayland.

The Villa is a family friendly restaurant that has been in business for more than 80 years. A casual dining restaurant, The Villa has a varied menu that features not just Italian fare but also seafood and sandwiches. We also offer a gluten free menu as well as a kid’s menu.

The Villa Restaurant is located at 124 E Plain St. in Wayland.

Most important chef's tool: Thermometer. It ensures that the food is properly prepared, stored and maintained at proper safety levels.

In his fridge at home: It's barren. I think I have diet pepsi, water and vitamin water zero in it. Since I am at The Villa most of my time, where I consume most of my meals, I do not keep a heavily stocked fridge.

Ever cook for anyone famous? There have been several famous people who have dined at The Villa. Jerry Remy and Harvey Leonard come quickly to mind.

If you could cook for anyone, dead or alive, who would it be? My grandfather. He was huge influence on my younger years and I miss him dearly.

Best cooking music: I prefer to listen to '80s rock when I cook. I am often found singing in the kitchen, though truth be told, I can not carry a tune in a bucket.

Favorite dish to make: My favorite dish to cook and also one of my favorite dishes to dine on is shrimp and scallop scampi.

Favorite dish on the menu: Shrimp and scallop scampi.

Most inspirational to you as a chef: Richard Schnetke, the owner of The Villa, is perhaps the most inspirational man I know. He fosters an environment of loyalty and respect within the restaurant and is one of the few owners who understands the importance of having great people working for him and always lets us know how much he appreciates the efforts put in by all his employees to make The Villa successful. His devotion to his employees, charities and willingness to listen to and assist others in times of trouble really set him apart from anyone I know.

Cooking shows he watches: I love to watch Chopped, Beat Bobby Flay and Iron Chef Gauntlet, to name a few.

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