Perhaps rail cars could sell themselves

Ansaldo Honolulu’s people say they can hear that train a-comin,’ and so should you.

After a heap of dour news about financial and legal troubles of its various associated firms and its Italian parent Finmeccanica SpA, Honolulu’s rail authorities wanted assurances that Ansaldo could deliver on its contracts in a timely fashion.

So the contractors delivered at least the renderings of the rail cars last week, as a first glimpse. Looks pretty nice from the outside (can’t see through those tinted windows to count the seats inside, though). They assured city officials that the outer decor was just preliminary. That City and County seal by the front could go, they said.

Instead maybe Ansaldo could auction off naming rights for each car. The Cliff Slater Express? Well, maybe not, but you get the idea.

That kind of program could raise a pretty penny — for the taxpayers’ benefit. Or so we all hope.

The ever-changing menu of restaurants

Foodies may have been a bit shaken last week by the news that two established eateries would go down for good: Sam Choy’s Breakfast, Lunch and Crab was announced first, followed by BluWater Grill. In a nice touch, Choy’s will host five charity benefit dinners during its last week, ending March 31.

What’s happening with the dining-out sector, Honolulu? Well, nothing really has changed there. The restaurant biz has always been tough, with a lot of churn, and the recession was an extra-rocky patch.

Anyway, now there should be room for a couple of new arrivals. Top chefs, pick up your knives and come on in. Something in the seafood niche, maybe?