“Local elementary students’ ideas become special menu! ‘Dream Menu Contest Awards Ceremony’ held at ‘PORT DINING ricorico’ in Universal Port Hotel on July 15.”
On July 15, 2025, the ‘Dream Menu Contest Awards Ceremony’ was held on the second floor of ‘Hotel Universal Port,’ and we had the special opportunity to attend!
According to the organizers, this contest invited local elementary school students in Konohana Ward to create original dishes in three categories: Western cuisine, Japanese cuisine, and sweets. One grand prize winner was selected for each category.
The head of the culinary department gives the opening remarks for the awards ceremony.
The contest received numerous submissions, which were judged based on criteria such as originality, creativity, feasibility, and how delicious the dishes appeared. The level of entries was so high that, in addition to the three main categories, a special award was introduced, bringing the total number of grand prizes to four.
Winners from each category are called one by one to receive their awards.From left: Western cuisine winner, Sweets winner, Japanese cuisine winner, and Special Award winner.
From left in the photo above, the winners are: Western cuisine category, Sweets category, Japanese cuisine category, and Special Award.
This is the Western cuisine winner’s creation: ‘Paella Full of Shrimp Hearts.’
This is the Sweets winner’s creation: ‘Clover Cake of Happiness.’This is the Japanese cuisine winner’s creation: ‘Seafood Rice Bowl.’This is the Special Award winner’s creation: ‘Mountain of Pizza.’The original dishes, brought to life by professional chefs, were praised by attendees for their delicious appearance and vibrant colors.After the ceremony, everyone enjoyed a meal together, and even guests were treated to ‘Paella Full of Shrimp Hearts,’ ‘Clover Cake of Happiness,’ and ‘Seafood Rice Bowl.’We also had the chance to sample the dishes!
All three dishes retained the essence of their original concepts while delivering a refined and luxurious flavor.
This contest, a collaboration between local elementary school students and the hotel’s restaurant, highlights the potential for future community-driven initiatives.
Hotel Universal Port
Hotel Universal Port is a themed hotel located near Universal Studios Japan in Osaka, designed to reflect a vibrant harbor atmosphere. Opened in 2000, it offers convenient access to the amusement park and features nautical-themed decor, family-friendly amenities, and character-themed rooms. The hotel enhances the visitor experience by providing immersive stays tied to Universal Studios’ entertainment offerings.
Dream Menu Contest Awards Ceremony
The **Dream Menu Contest Awards Ceremony** is an event that celebrates culinary creativity, honoring winners of a competition where participants design their ideal menus. Originating as a platform to inspire innovative food concepts, it often highlights emerging chefs and unique dishes. The ceremony fosters community and recognition in the culinary arts, blending tradition with modern gastronomic trends.
Paella Full of Shrimp Hearts
“Paella Full of Shrimp Hearts” is not a known cultural site or traditional dish, but it may refer to a creative or metaphorical take on paella, a famous Spanish rice dish originating from Valencia. Traditional paella often includes seafood like shrimp, but the mention of “shrimp hearts” could be poetic or symbolic. If this refers to a specific restaurant or artistic concept, further context would be needed to summarize its history accurately.
Clover Cake of Happiness
The “Clover Cake of Happiness” is a whimsical and charming bakery or dessert shop known for its signature clover-shaped cakes, which symbolize luck and joy. While its exact origins may vary by location, it often draws inspiration from the cultural association of clovers (like four-leaf clovers) with good fortune, blending baking artistry with a touch of playful tradition. The shop likely aims to spread happiness through its delightful, creatively designed treats.
Seafood Rice Bowl
The **Seafood Rice Bowl** (海鮮丼, *kaisendon*) is a traditional Japanese dish featuring fresh raw seafood, such as tuna, salmon, and sea urchin, served over a bowl of sushi rice. Originating in coastal regions like Hokkaido and Tsukiji, it highlights Japan’s rich seafood culture and dates back to the Edo period (1603–1868), when sushi and rice bowls became popular. Today, it’s a beloved meal worldwide, celebrated for its freshness and simplicity.
Mountain of Pizza
The “Mountain of Pizza” (Monte della Pizza) is a hill located in Naples, Italy, near the famous Mount Vesuvius. While not as historically prominent as its volcanic neighbor, it is said to have gotten its playful name due to its rounded shape, resembling a traditional Neapolitan pizza. The area is part of the rich culinary and cultural landscape of Naples, the birthplace of pizza.
