The Vintage Cave Honolulu | Private Society Elevating Art, Culture & Pleasur

Is it an art gallery? Is it a restaurant? Or is it a pricey club? Actually, a combination of all three and yet something more, as well. The Vintage Cave Honolulu (VCH) at the bottom of Shirokiya Department Store at Ala Moana Center is in an unlikely (though convenient) location, but it is definitely NOT the real estate in which is resides that defines this unique experience. 

The Vintage Cave, opened in December 2012, identifies itself as a “private society” in concept and evokes images of ancient European caves in Lascaux and Altamira, where people once recorded their history in the form of art for thousands of years. The caves are symbolic not only as places to create art and record history, but as themselves, being art. For it is in caves where gemstones and rare crystals are created, natural works of art on their own. And the best wines, of course are also stored and aged in caves. Tying it all together is homage to Hawaii’s great affinity to its own caves formed in the birth of the island as lava tubes, decorated with meaningful petroglyphs, symbolic of our island culture and custom.

The art featured in the The Vintage Cave Honolulu, is some that could be found at the world’s great museums: an original Picasso, a sculpture by Michelangelo, and other famed pieces. These are just part of an ever evolving collection of artistic works, that are among the many visual delights you will experience when you join the VCH. As I have not visted The Vintage Cave, I can only imaging the opulence. It is described as being designed with the “Big Four” diamonds, rubies, emeralds and sapphires, at its essence.

The Vintage Cave Honolulu includes immenities that mirror those of the best private dining and social clubs in the world, and more, as the ultimate in relaxation and enlightenment. And there is NOTHING else like this in Honolulu. Charlie Yoshida (formerly with Alan Wong’s and STAGE) is the General Manager and imaginative menus are prepared by master and visiting star chefs. There are also master sommeliers and a private butler. For its memebers’ enjoyment there are a Kitchen Studio, Grand Dining Room (with four private rooms), Sommelier’s Court, Wine Cellar (with 500 member keys), Bar and Lounge Gallery, and Museum at the VCH in 15,000 square feet of space.

The Vintage Cave Honolulu, Source: yelp.com via Home Shoppe Hawaii Oahu Real Estate on Pinterest

The Vintage Cave LLC is actually a subsidiary of Shirokiya, one of Japan’s oldest department stores (explaining its location). And Shirokiya is owned by TSA Group which is a developer of luxury resort properties and golf courses, such as the Grand Wailea on Maui, the Hilton Waikoloa Resort on the Big Island, Koolina Resort and Marina on Oahu. So the connection between Shirokiya and The Vintage Cave now makes some sense. There is a long traditon here of catering the elite who crave divine destinations and unique experiences. 

Membership to the Vintage Cave Honolulu’s private society is $50,000. 

~Aloha~

Update on Mon, February 18, 2013 by By Yvonne Ahearn (B), Realtor-Broker

UPDATE: From a review of this restaurant, by C.W. on Yelp (not verified):

“This “restaurant” was originally intended to be a private club by its unbelievably wealthy owner, Mr “S”. In order to obtain their liquor license (required for a Wine club), the Honolulu Liquor Commission required them to be open to the public for a year.

This means (pay attention) that you have until early December 2013 to eat here before they close their doors to the public.”