Caldwell scores points, for now

So far, the reaction to the restoration of some bus routes has been applause from riders who were dismayed by last year’s service cuts.

In the waning months of his term as mayor, Peter Carlisle and his transit staff implemented a plan aimed at improving efficiency and cutting costs during what were difficult budgetary times. The result, claimed patrons of the service, was standing-room-only bus routes and inconvenient stop locations.

In his campaign to succeed Carlisle, Kirk Caldwell vowed to pay attention to the bus complaints. Many people wanted all the changes reversed, but the new mayor found that some changes made sense.

Maybe Caldwell will benefit from the fact that he is restoring at least some of the routes, rather than wearing the black hat. But it’s early yet. Let’s see how long the honeymoon lasts.

Simeon turned out winner, after all

He might have come up just short of winning this season’s "Top Chef" title, but Hawaii’s Sheldon Simeon won big time with fans — to the tune of $10,000.

It was revealed Wednesday that the executive chef of Star Noodle in Lahaina received the most votes as "fan favorite," a well-deserved honor for the local boy who emanated charm and aloha.

Even "Top Chef" winner Kristen Kish and runner-up Brooke William- son had only top things to say about their third-place colleague; in fact, Simeon was among the trio of former competitors Kish picked for her team for the finale.

We’ll be watching to see what Simeon whips up for his next course. Stay tuned.