Dear editor,

I was pleased to see the return of Chef's Market last Friday night. It is always an enjoyable outing; safe and friendly, not to mention plenty of good food and wine. I was also very happy to see the return of Willie Bird Restaurant after their absence all last year. I thought it was strange that they weren't there last year since they are so popular every week. But last Friday I found out why: they are no longer allowed to sell their turkey drumsticks and thighs. They were told it is "not sophisticated enough" for our Chef's Market! That's why they didn't come at all last year, and this year they agreed to only sell sandwiches and skewers.

I find this decision by the board that organizes the Chef's Market to be outrageous. It is very un-Napa to censor what we, the paying public, are happy to spend our money on. If the problem was because of increased litter, or because of insane somnambulists falling at every corner, I could sort of understand it. But to say that it is "not sophisticated" is bunk.

I say free Willie! Please join me in e-mailing the person who can change this decision, the director of the Downtown Association: craig@napadowntown.com and tell him: Bring back the dark meat!

Aram Chakerian

Napa