Monday, June 10, 2013

D-1 Grand Prix at cafeterias of Tohoku University

Have you heard the expression “B-1 Grand Prix” before? If you are interested in cars, you may think I mean F-1 Grand Prix. However, this expression exists, and it refers to food in this case.  The name derives from “B-grade gourmet,” which describes casual, inexpensive and tasty dishes served at restaurants and other eating facilities everywhere in Japan.
The first “B-1 Grand Prix” was held in Aomori in 2006 with the purpose of introducing local dishes from across Japan. This event has become annual now, and has been playing a role in grabbing attention for and revitalizing rather unknown towns that nurtured such dishes.
 Now, if we turn to Tohoku University, you will notice the “D-1 Grand Prix” is taking place. Why D, not B? It is for “Donburi” in Japanese, which means "rice bowl dishes." The university’s co-op carries out this event every year to upgrade their menu by bringing in the students’ ideas. So students can imagine their favorite donburi, write about them on special forms, and put them in boxes placed in cafeterias on each campus. Last year, “工学部焼肉丼,” grilled beef rice bowl from the School of Engineering, got first place.

 There will be prizes for the winners: winners selected on each campus will receive JPY 10,000 on a prepaid card usable at the cafeteria. A JPY 30,000 prepaid card will be given to the best of the winners. With ideas from international students, the menu at the cafeteria could include a fusion of multi-cultural dishes!