Webster House has a new chef: Matthew Arnold

It’s been five months since chef Charles d’ Ablaing took his leave from the kitchen at Webster House to replace Jason Wiggins as executive chef at Chaz on the Plaza at the Raphael Hotel. The staff at Webster House hired a recruiting firm to assist in finding his replacement: “We looked at candidates in Kansas City and across the country,” says Webster House chief operating officer Kevin Hobbs. “We were looking for someone with incredible culinary knowledge, proven leadership skills and a team player.”

There was a lot of interest in the job, Hobbs says. The role of executive chef at Webster House — a combination fine-antique shop, gift store, restaurant and special-events venue — will be even more high-profile after the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, located right next door, opens in September.

High-profile and seriously demanding. Starting in September, Webster House is adding Sunday brunch to its repertoire and a late-night menu. Beginning September 7, the restaurant will serve food — from a limited menu — from 9 p.m. to midnight Wednesday through Saturday nights.

The job duties are daunting, but Matthew Arnold says he’s up for the challenge.