We always have a lot on our plates in our line of work, both literally and figuratively, and this month they’re just about overflowing as we prepare to serve up a second helping of Restaurant Week, coming up next month (6 to 12 September). The first installment in May was so successful, we got straight to work on bringing it back, and, unlike most sequels, this new and improved version will be bigger, better value and (we hope) even more well-received than before.

Mr & Mrs Bund, Laris and Shintori were some of the top performers in the inaugural edition and seats sold out in days as customers sought to secure their tables. If you weren’t one of the lucky few that succeeded, never fear, they were all delighted with the response and have signed up for seconds. Fans of David Laris in particular will be licking their lips at the chance to sample the recently launched menu. T8 will also be back to defend its title as the winner of the first Restaurant Week, which was earned by its outstanding menu and an exceptional level of customer service.

Even with the great line-up we had for round one earlier this year, we still heard from some disappointed customers who’d been hoping to see other Bund-side heavyweights like Jade on 36, M on the Bund and Stiller’s on the roll call, and despite all the positive feedback from many of their neighbours, they’ve still yet to get on board.

As well as the usual suspects, we’re also really excited to see plenty of new names getting involved. Mi Tierra on Yongjia Lu, with its authentic Mexican menu and gorgeous outdoor terrace is sure to be a top draw for some al fresco dining and Cantonese fine dining at Suntime Century will make a nice addition to the Chinese options. It’s located in the Gran Melia hotel in Lujiazui, who’s Spanish and Italian restaurants, Albero and Acqua have also confirmed, giving Puxi-dwellers three reasons for a dining excursion across the river.

Amuse Bouche: It’s a beautiful spot that just never really got it together but there may yet be light at the end for the tunnel for LAN. Dutchman Danny van Elten (Jade on 36, 100 Century Avenue and New Heights) is the latest in a long line of GMs but with his plans to sharpen up the prices, introduce an oyster bar and re-launch the 4th floor restaurant as Butterfly, we think he might just be the man for the job.

RestauRANT: This month it’s self-serving Shanghai restaurant awards that have been invoking our wrath, as one too many tacky-looking “Best so-and-so Restaurant” plaques bring back a flood of not-so-distant memories of inane ceremonies that dishing out meaningless awards, accompanied by bad food and cheap wine in plastic cups. What this city really needs is a credible and objective ratings system to give industry players the respect they deserve.