Welcome to
Vault
VAULT
The Vault, nestled in the heart of Chicago, is a sophisticated cocktail lounge renowned for its meticulously crafted spirits and enchanting ambiance. Guests can savor a diverse array of cuisine that perfectly complements the inventive cocktails, making it a must-visit destination for food and drink enthusiasts. With its historic charm and modern elegance, The Vault offers an unforgettable dining and imbibing experience in the Windy City.
The Artist
Arthur Williams
Arthur Williams' early life was marred by adversity, growing up in Bridgeport with his mother struggling as a waitress and his absent father. Influenced by the streets, he found mentors in notorious figures like mobster Jerry Scalise and a counterfeiter known as Da Vinci. Da Vinci initiated Arthur into the intricacies of counterfeit money production. Just four years later, Arthur was running his own counterfeiting operation. Arthur was known as the man who created a flawless replication of the 1996 $100 bill. Despite a troubled upbringing, Arthur's unwavering dedication to perfecting the art of counterfeiting led him to produce an estimated $10 million in counterfeit currency.
During his 12 year jail sentence, Arthur Williams underwent a remarkable transformation. One of the key aspects of his transformation in prison was his dedication to self-improvement. He immersed himself in books and educational materials, with a particular focus on the works of renowned artists such as Michelangelo, Salvador Dali, and Andy Warhol. These artists inspired him and fueled his desire to cultivate his artistic skills. Arthur began taking art classes and utilized his inspiration of money by incorporating it into his art. He spent a significant amount of time meticulously painting the 1896 $1 bill, honing his artistic abilities.
When he eventually emerged from prison at the age of 43, Arthur did so with only $20 in his pocket. However, he carried with him a dream and an unwavering determination to change his life for the better. His story serves as a reminder that anyone can change their life. He has since established himself as a thriving artist in Chicago, where his artistic endeavors have achieved remarkable success and continue to flourish. His pieces are featured on our walls.
The Chef
Roberto Lopez
At the age of 14, Chef Roberto Lopez resided in Puebla, Mexico. During this time, his uncle, visiting from New York, shared stories of his experiences working as a cook in esteemed restaurants. Intrigued by these tales, Lopez engaged his mother in conversation, discovering a newfound passion for the culinary arts. He embarked on his culinary journey in Mexico, honing his skills before relocating to New York City at the age of 17. There, he secured his inaugural position as a porter at a restaurant where his relatives were employed.
While diligently attending to his duties, Lopez's path took an unexpected turn when a patron observed his work and escorted him to the pastry kitchen. Introduced to the pastry chef, Lopez was questioned about his dessert-making expertise, to which he confidently replied, "Absolutely nothing." Despite his initial lack of formal training, he diligently absorbed every recipe in the kitchen, ultimately ascending to the role of pastry chef. Witnessing the seamless execution of culinary creations on plate 12 ignited within him a profound desire to pursue a career as a chef.
Despite facing initial setbacks, including a denial to transition to the kitchen after three years as a pastry chef, Lopez persevered, embarking on his culinary journey. Over time, he garnered invaluable experience, collaborating with esteemed chefs such as Bobby Flay, Mario Batali, and Emeril Lagasse. Additionally, he ventured into entrepreneurship, establishing remarkable restaurants that left an indelible mark on the industry.
Following his success in New York, Lopez relocated to Chicago, where he continues to serve as the visionary behind our distinctive dishes. Crafted with unwavering passion, each creation is a testament to his commitment to delivering unparalleled satisfaction with every bite. Today, Chef Roberto Lopez stands as a paragon of culinary excellence, enriching the gastronomic landscape with his innovative creations.