COMMENTARY, June 8 -- You often hear people talk about being transported - to a time or even a place - by something they ate.

Remember that iconic scene in Ratatouille where food critic Anton Ego's taste memory was triggered after one bite of Remy's ratatouille?

Well, I had a somewhat similar experience - with a twist - at a dinner in Chipta11A recently. But first, a little about the restaurant for those who are unfamiliar with it.

Helmed by Chef Jack Weldie, it brands itself as a "curated dining restaurant" but since its opening in 2019 it has been known for its Japanese omakase style menu using Japanese-Malaysian ingredients.

And that was exactly my previous experience with Chipta11A. Very Japanese-forward. Not surprising since Chef...