The Villa has a new chef and new name

The Villa, the Italian-cuisine eatery formerly known as Villa san Marcel, has reopened in Minden with a new chef.

"Fresh, great tasting food is what I like to eat, and that's what we serve at the Villa," said new chef Will Towle.

Towle has been cooking since 1996, starting out in Maine and working his way to Colorado, Arizona, into Europe and the British Virgin Islands. He said he enjoys cooking Tuscan and Umbrian dishes, including Osso Buco and smoked Cavatapi pasta.

"We looked long and hard to find someone who could maintain the quality and service our customers have come to expect, and we finally found him," said the restaurant's owner Sheri Asay. "Chef Will intends to become the owner of this restaurant in early 2008."

The Villa is located at 1799 Ironwood Drive and is open everyday except Tuesday, with lunch hours from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., cocktail hours from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. and dinner hours from 5:30 p.m. to closing. The Villa is now taking reservations for private holiday parties. For more information, call 783-3211.

La Dolce Vita moves to Gardnerville

La Dolce Vita Gift Shop has moved from Minden to Gardnerville and will be open special hours for the holiday season.

The new location is at 1528 Highway 395, Ste. 200, on the second floor of the Mountain View Professional Center. The new store hours are Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday noon to 4 p.m. For more information, call La Dolce at 782-8070.

Tattoo parlor hosting raffle for charity

Immaculate Tattoo, next to Lucky's Discount Liquor in Gardnerville, is hosting a raffle until Dec. 15 in hopes of raising money for Austin's House, a local shelter for children in crisis. Raffle tickets cost $10, with participants entering to win a $200 tattoo. Only 40 tickets will be sold to narrow the competition, and all proceeds from ticket sales will go to Austin's House.

"I've just bought this tattoo shop, and I am trying to contribute to the community," said Immaculate owner J.P. Charismas. "Austin's House seems to be a great avenue to do this. Getting the community involved in the cause seems the best way to truly help."

Charismas said he would like to start hosting charity raffles every month, giving everyone a chance to win while at the same time supporting local charities.

Immaculate Tattoo is located at 1384 Highway 395 and is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. For more information, call 783-8883.