Webster’s Restaurant
1644 Wyandotte    
Kansas City, MO 64108

Phone (816) 221-4713
Fax (816) 221-4736

Lunch Menu $7.50 - $15.00

Visa, MasterCard, American Express

It’s back to school time—a bit late in the year, but just in time for the holidays. Webster’s Restaurant is on the second floor of Webster House, an antique and gift establishment. Located in an historic schoolhouse dating to 1885, the restaurant and shop seem well suited to the large high-ceiling rooms.

Except for special events and catered affairs, Webster’s is open only for lunch. Allow some time to browse through the antiques and gifts on the first floor, and enjoy the décor in the three dining areas. There is a library bar, an area outside the kitchen and a festive red dining room, now embellished with seasonal holiday decorations.

Restored by proprietor Shirley Bush Helzberg, Helix Architecture and JE Dunn Construction, the building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

We enjoyed lunch in the Red Room, surrounded by artwork and antiques. The food, prepared by Chef Jim Johnson and Sous Chef Jeanne Quinn, was impeccably served. There is an extensive wine list available by the glass or bottle.

We started with a cup of Sweet Potato Soup ($4) and a bread basket of a hearty white with raisins and nuts, and a flat bread with rosemary. We continued with entrees of grilled chicken marinated in cilantro and sake ($12) and almond crusted Mahi Mahi ($15). Both were prepared well, and the presentation was impressive. The chicken was served with a spicy Thai dressing, gingered glazed baby carrots and coconut mint Basmati rice. The Mahi Mahi was enhanced with snow peas and Orange Blossom Rice with a tantalizing Juniper-Madeira sauce.

Among the other entrée choices were two pasta dishes, Gnocchi with Butternut Squash ($12) and Penne Pasta tossed with eggplant, zucchini and artichokes ($13.50). On my next visit, I will try the Grilled Sea Scallops ($15). There are also three sandwiches ($7.50 - 13.50), which can be ordered with slaw or soup. The Grilled Rib Eye on French bread comes with sweet potato fries.

The appetizers (all $9) were an eclectic trio. Cheese, chutney and grapes with a baguette; a sausage quesadilla and grilled naan with pesto all sounded appealing. Salads included a Caesar with a basil-parmesan dressing, a goat cheese souffle with pears and berries ($12.50), greens with fruit, cheese and dressed with a vinaigrette ($10), and a spinach salad. The spinach and Caesar salads were offered in small for $3.50 and $5, respectively, or in a larger serving for $7. Grilled chicken or shrimp could be added to any salad for an additional $3.50.

The desserts vary from day to day and selecting from the tray was not easy. A Pumpkin Souffle and a Lemon Tart were both delicious ($6). There were other choices equally enticing, especially for chocolate lovers, including an interesting combination of three cookies.

Tips: Parking is on the surrounding streets of Wyandotte and 17th, except for three handicap spots beside the building.
Reservations are strongly recommended. The three areas for dining can seat more than 80. The menu and the ambiance combine to provide a pleasant oasis in this Kansas City neighborhood.

Hours: Lunch 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday through Saturday.

Ratings: Fits in several categories: Working lunch and to impress a client and it does fit my requirement for Friday Fun. But, these seem inadequate to describe such an impressive dining experience. Definitely not recommended for a quick lunch or for take out.