Dining
Carol Woods offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily across several on-campus venues, including the main dining room, which features both self and table service. Residents receive meal credits equal to the number of days in the month (30 or 31), included in their service fee, and may choose when and where to dine. Menus highlight fresh, seasonal ingredients with clearly marked heart-healthy, vegetarian, and low-sodium options. Meals are served in relaxed, welcoming spaces where conversation flows easily and the comfort of community is always close by.
Magnolia Grill
Magnolia Grill offers full table service for lunch and dinner in a calm and comfortable setting. The menu often includes a chef’s special alongside seasonal entrées. The space is designed for unhurried meals and easy conversation. Four adjoining private dining rooms are available for resident gatherings and Lunch ’N Learn programs. Many residents choose Magnolia when they want to host guests or enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere.
Carvery & Rotating Restaurants
Located in the main dining room, the Carvery provides buffet-style service for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It’s the most frequently used dining option on campus, offering a wide selection of hot dishes, salads, and fresh sides. Its “10 restaurants in 10 weeks” program brings variety, featuring rotating themed menus such as Southwestern/Latin, BBQ, Asian, Street Food, and Continental. Takeout is available for all meals. With no reservations and come-and-go convenience, the Carvery fits easily into the daily rhythm of active life at Carol Woods.
Special Culinary Experiences
- Chef’s Plated Meal – monthly themed fine dining (e.g., international culinary experiences)
- Pop-Up Bistro –exclusive one-day menus
- Wine Down Wednesday –social featuring curated wine selections
- Nutrition Spotlight –monthly focus on a featured superfood
- Manager’s Events –e.g., luau, seafood boil
- Pinecone Academy –cooking classes
Sample menu
Selections vary daily — here’s a taste of what you might enjoy at Carol Woods.
Lunch
- Daily Frittata (examples include Sun-Dried Tomato & Artichoke, Asparagus & Swiss, Gouda &Vegetables)
- Vegetarian Meatball Marinara Hoagie with Fresh Mozzarella
- Chicken Fajitas with Corn Tortillas
- Seasoned Poached Salmon with Roasted Broccoli & Cauliflower
- Fresh Salad Bar with Local Greens, Seasonal Vegetables & House-Made Dressings
Sides may include: Roasted Brussels Sprouts, Balsamic Grilled Asparagus, Herb Roasted Potatoes, or Sweet Potatoes
Dinner
- Fried Fish & Shrimp Platter with Cocktail Sauce
- Leg of Lamb with Roasted Acorn Squash
- Meat Lasagna or Vegetarian Lasagna
- Shrimp Provençal or Chicken Tarragon with Brown Basmati Rice
Soup of the Day, Fresh Fruit, and Chef’s Choice Dessert
Always Available
Garden Salad, Daily Soups, Fresh Fruit.
Heart-healthy, vegetarian, and gluten-free options clearly marked
Culinary Spotlight
Many members of the dining team have been part of Carol Woods for years – and some for decades – building real relationships with the residents they serve. Their steady presence adds warmth and consistency to daily meals. Residents, in turn, give back through “Operation Graduation,” a scholarship fund that supports high school and college students on the dining staff.
I still love to cook, so I still do a lot of that at home. But our plan comes with one meal a day, so we generally eat either lunch or dinner in the dining room. That’s a good opportunity to be with friends—so that’s where we can do some socializing.
Contact Us
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