Kimball Dining Hall is the heartbeat of the College of the Holy Cross campus, serving as a central gathering place for students, faculty, and visitors alike. This vibrant dining facility offers an all-you-care-to-eat format, allowing diners to explore a diverse array of culinary delights throughout the day.
With its spacious and inviting atmosphere, Kimball Dining Hall is more than just a place to eat; it’s a hub for socializing, studying, and fostering a sense of community. The dining hall’s significance on campus extends beyond its delectable offerings, as it plays a crucial role in shaping the overall student experience at Holy Cross.
One of the standout features of Kimball Dining Hall is its commitment to providing a diverse menu that caters to various dietary preferences and needs. From classic comfort foods to international cuisines, the dining hall’s extensive offerings ensure that every palate is satisfied. Whether you’re craving a hearty entrée, a fresh salad, or a delectable dessert, the options are seemingly endless.
Dining Hall Hours and Meal Schedule
Kimball Dining Hall operates on a convenient and flexible schedule to accommodate the diverse needs of students, faculty, and staff at the College of the Holy Cross. During the regular academic year, the dining hall is open for extended hours, ensuring ample time for community members to enjoy their meals.
Regular Hours:
- Monday – Friday
- Breakfast: 7:00 AM – 10:30 AM
- Lunch: 11:00 AM – 2:30 PM
- Dinner: 4:30 PM – 8:00 PM
- Saturday & Sunday
- Brunch: 10:30 AM – 2:00 PM
- Dinner: 4:30 PM – 7:30 PM
The dining hall offers a variety of meal times to cater to different schedules and preferences. Whether you’re an early riser or a night owl, there are options available to suit your needs.
During academic breaks and holidays, the dining hall adjusts its hours to accommodate the reduced campus population. Special hours are typically implemented during:
- Thanksgiving Break
- Winter Break
- Spring Break
- Summer Break
These adjusted hours are communicated in advance through campus announcements and the dining hall’s website, ensuring that students, faculty, and staff are aware of any changes to the regular schedule.
Main Menu Options
Kimball Dining Hall offers an impressive array of menu options to cater to diverse dietary preferences and needs. The dining hall features multiple food stations, each with its unique specialties, ensuring that every guest can find something delicious and satisfying.
The Classic Entrees station is a staple, serving up hearty and comforting dishes that are sure to please traditionalists. From roasted meats and savory casseroles to homestyle vegetable sides, this station offers a taste of home-cooked goodness.
For those seeking freshly prepared meals, the Cooked-to-Order station is a must-visit. Here, skilled chefs whip up made-to-order dishes right before your eyes, allowing you to customize your meal to your exact liking.
The aroma of freshly baked pizza wafts through the air at the Brick Oven Pizza station, where you can indulge in a variety of classic and creative pizza creations. Whether you prefer a simple margherita or a loaded supreme, this station has something to satisfy every pizza craving.
The Salad Bar is a haven for health-conscious diners, offering a vibrant selection of fresh greens, colorful vegetables, delectable toppings, and an array of dressings. Build your own salad masterpiece or enjoy a pre-made option for a nutritious and flavorful meal.
For those with a taste for international flavors, the Stir Fry & Noodle Bowls station is a must-try. Here, you can create your own customized stir-fry or noodle bowl, selecting from a variety of proteins, vegetables, and flavorful sauces, all cooked to perfection.
The BASE Station (Build A Savory Entrée) is a versatile option that allows you to craft your own personalized meal. Start with a base of grains, proteins, or vegetables, and then add your choice of toppings and sauces for a truly unique and satisfying dish.
Kimball Dining Hall is committed to accommodating various dietary needs, ensuring that everyone can enjoy a delicious and nutritious meal. Allergen-free options are readily available, and the staff is knowledgeable and happy to assist with any special dietary requirements.
Vegetarian and Vegan Offerings
Kimball Dining Hall takes great pride in providing a diverse array of vegetarian and vegan options to cater to the dietary preferences and needs of its diverse student body. Dedicated stations are available to ensure that plant-based diners can enjoy a wide variety of flavorful and satisfying meals.
One of the standout features is the Vegetarian Station, which offers a rotating selection of hearty entrées, such as vegetable stir-fries, lentil curries, and pasta dishes made with fresh, locally sourced produce. The station also features an assortment of delectable side dishes, including roasted vegetables, quinoa salads, and savory baked goods.
For those following a vegan lifestyle, the Vegan Station is a true haven. Here, students can indulge in a range of plant-based delicacies, from mouth-watering veggie burgers and sizzling tofu dishes to creamy soups and satisfying grain bowls. The station’s chefs take great care to ensure that each dish is not only delicious but also nutritionally balanced, incorporating a variety of legumes, whole grains, and nutrient-dense superfoods.
In addition to the dedicated stations, the salad bar boasts an impressive array of fresh greens, vegetables, fruits, and plant-based toppings, allowing diners to create their own customized salads or wraps. The bar also features a selection of house-made vegan dressings and sauces, ensuring that every bite is bursting with flavor.
Kimball Dining Hall’s commitment to vegetarian and vegan dining extends beyond the main course. The dessert station offers a rotating selection of plant-based treats, from decadent vegan cakes and cookies to refreshing fruit-based desserts, ensuring that no one has to miss out on the sweet indulgences.
Super-Food-Inspired Station and Desserts
For those seeking nutrient-dense and health-conscious options, the Super-Food-Inspired Station at Kimball Dining Hall is a must-visit. This dedicated station offers a rotating selection of dishes crafted with superfoods like quinoa, acai, chia seeds, and kale, ensuring a delightfully flavorful and nourishing dining experience.
Kimball Dining Hall also caters to those with a sweet tooth by providing a tempting array of desserts daily. From decadent cakes and pies to freshly baked cookies and tarts, the dessert offerings are sure to satisfy any craving. What’s more, the dining hall frequently features special themed desserts, celebrating holidays and campus events with creative and festive treats.
Kimball Sweet Shoppe
Located within Kimball Dining Hall, the Kimball Sweet Shoppe is a delightful addition to the dining experience at the College of the Holy Cross. This dedicated space caters to those with a sweet tooth, offering a tempting array of freshly baked goods, decadent desserts, and indulgent treats.
The Sweet Shoppe’s bakery case is a sight to behold, featuring an ever-changing selection of mouthwatering pastries, cookies, and confections. From flaky croissants and buttery scones to fudgy brownies and chewy cookies, there’s something to satisfy every craving. These baked delights are prepared daily by the talented culinary team, ensuring maximum freshness and flavor.
For those seeking a more indulgent treat, the Sweet Shoppe offers a variety of cakes, pies, and tarts. Whether you’re in the mood for a rich chocolate cake, a tangy lemon tart, or a classic apple pie, these decadent desserts are sure to delight. Many of these offerings are available by the slice or as individual servings, making it easy to indulge without overindulging.
In addition to baked goods, the Sweet Shoppe also features an array of ice cream flavors, milkshakes, and sundaes. Creamy scoops of ice cream can be enjoyed on their own or transformed into delightful concoctions with a variety of toppings and sauces. The milkshakes, available in classic and creative flavors, are thick, creamy, and utterly satisfying.
Whether you’re looking for a quick sweet treat between classes or a indulgent dessert after a meal, the Kimball Sweet Shoppe is sure to hit the spot. With its inviting atmosphere and tempting offerings, it’s a beloved destination for students, faculty, and visitors alike.
Payment Options and Meal Plans
Kimball Dining Hall offers flexible payment options to accommodate the diverse needs of students, faculty, and visitors. The primary method of payment is through the College’s meal plan system, which provides convenient and cost-effective access to all dining facilities on campus.
Students living on campus are automatically enrolled in a meal plan, with various options to choose from based on their dietary preferences and eating habits. These meal plans allow students to enjoy all-you-care-to-eat meals at Kimball Dining Hall, as well as make purchases at other dining locations across campus.
For those not enrolled in a meal plan, Kimball Dining Hall accepts credit and debit card payments, as well as cash. Visitors and guests can easily purchase individual meals or snacks using these payment methods.
In addition to traditional meal plans, the College also offers a Declining Balance Account, which acts as a prepaid debit account for on-campus dining purchases. This account can be loaded with funds and used at any dining facility, providing added flexibility and convenience.
Kimball Dining Hall’s commitment to accommodating various dietary needs extends to its payment options, ensuring that all members of the College community have access to a diverse and inclusive dining experience.
Lower Kimball Dining Hall
For those seeking a more casual dining experience, the Lower Kimball Dining Hall offers a cafe-style atmosphere with a variety of kiosks and stations to suit different cravings. This area provides a lively and vibrant setting where students can grab a quick bite between classes or catch up with friends over a delicious meal.
One of the highlights of the Lower Kimball Dining Hall is the Habaneros kiosk, which serves up a delectable selection of Mexican-inspired dishes. From burritos and tacos to nachos and quesadillas, this station offers a flavorful and satisfying dining experience with a spicy twist.
Pizza lovers will delight in the dedicated Pizza kiosk, where they can indulge in freshly baked pies with a variety of toppings. Whether you prefer classic pepperoni or something more adventurous, this station has you covered.
For those in the mood for a classic American fare, the Grill kiosk is the go-to spot. Here, you can enjoy juicy burgers, crispy fries, and other grilled favorites, all prepared to perfection.
Sushi enthusiasts will be delighted to find a dedicated Sushi kiosk in the Lower Kimball Dining Hall. This station offers a range of fresh and expertly crafted sushi rolls, nigiri, and sashimi, providing a healthy and flavorful dining option.
With its inviting atmosphere and diverse culinary offerings, the Lower Kimball Dining Hall is the perfect place for students to unwind, socialize, and savor delicious meals throughout the day.
Accommodating Dietary Needs and Allergies
Kimball Dining Hall takes great care in accommodating various dietary needs and allergies, ensuring that all students, faculty, and visitors can enjoy a safe and satisfying dining experience. The dining hall staff works closely with a team of registered dietitians to provide a wide range of allergen-free options and cater to specific dietary requirements.
For those with food allergies or intolerances, the dining hall offers a dedicated allergen-free station, which is meticulously maintained to prevent cross-contamination. This station features a rotating menu of delicious and nutritious meals that are free from common allergens such as peanuts, tree nuts, soy, dairy, eggs, and gluten. Clear labeling and knowledgeable staff members are available to assist in making informed choices.
In addition to the allergen-free station, Kimball Dining Hall also offers a variety of gluten-free options, including breads, pastries, and entrees. These items are prepared in a separate area to ensure they remain free from gluten contamination.
Vegetarian and vegan diners will find an abundance of plant-based choices throughout the dining hall. From hearty veggie-filled entrees to flavorful salads and nutritious grain bowls, there is something to satisfy every taste preference. The dining hall also features a dedicated vegan station, offering a rotating selection of creative and delicious vegan dishes.
For those with specific dietary needs or concerns, the dining hall staff is happy to provide personalized assistance. Students can consult with the on-site registered dietitians to discuss their nutritional requirements and receive guidance on navigating the various dining options.
Kimball Dining Hall’s commitment to accommodating dietary needs and allergies ensures that every member of the College of the Holy Cross community can enjoy a safe, inclusive, and satisfying dining experience.
Conclusion
Kimball Dining Hall is a cornerstone of the vibrant campus life at the College of the Holy Cross. With its diverse menu options, accommodating dietary offerings, and flexible meal schedules, it caters to the diverse needs and preferences of the college community. The all-you-care-to-eat format encourages exploration and sampling of various cuisines, fostering a sense of community and shared experiences.
The dining hall’s commitment to providing allergen-free, vegetarian, and vegan options ensures that every student, faculty member, and visitor can find nourishing and satisfying meals. The Super-Food-Inspired Station and daily desserts add an extra touch of indulgence and variety to the dining experience.
Beyond the main dining hall, the Kimball Sweet Shoppe and Lower Kimball offer additional options for grabbing a quick bite or enjoying a more casual cafe-style atmosphere. The convenience of accepted payment methods, including meal plans and credit cards, further enhances the accessibility of these dining facilities.
Whether you’re a current student seeking a break from studying, a prospective student exploring campus life, or a faculty member looking for a satisfying meal, Kimball Dining Hall is a must-visit destination. Embrace the opportunity to savor the diverse culinary offerings, connect with friends and colleagues, and experience the vibrant atmosphere that makes Kimball Dining Hall an integral part of the College of the Holy Cross community.