Foodmanna: Union Square Café bar nuts with a modern Asian twist

Saturday, we decided to do something fun. The gang decided to go see the fireworks with loads of drinks. So, gearing up with their professional cameras, we toured around town from early afternoon, munching about with the occasion stops for a pint. With the final stop at One Fullerton to watch the fireworks. Way up close.

As expected, Overeasy at One Fullertion will be packed on such day. The RESERVED tag on every table. We need a table at alfresco dining area. Somehow, after some chitty chat with the reception. We manage to get a little standing table. Literally a table with no chairs. We restaurant people know the naked truth and bitter reality; my guess with such situation most customers (Singaporeans) will be upset and be demanding. Morphing somewhat like the hulk, from nice to horrible guest.

Sigh... and I admit sometimes I am one too.

But sometimes, getting what you want at a restaurant requires an ounce of trust and a little bit of surrender to someone (or something) other than yourself. Each time we were served, we plead with a big smile for a stool if they can find. Slowly, one by one, they stole bar stools for us.

In order to find happy experience, I think, you have to have a certain amount of humility, flexibility, and the willingness to expand your understanding. Because honestly, if you cling too tightly onto what it is you want or expect in a restaurant, you may never find it. And what’s worse, you’ll spend the rest of your life—or dining experiences—very, very unhappy.

There's the famous Union Square Café bar nuts. Served hot and buttery with loads of fresh rosemary. I've modestly adapted this one to Asian flavors with strong notes of cumin, cayenne and brown sugar and kaffir lime leaves instead of Union Square Café style rosemary. The result is an exotic, salty-spicy-sweet combination.

For the nut mix, you can use any nut mix or stick with your favorite. For me, it's almonds which are one of the most nutritious of all nuts. If you think almonds are just for satisfying your TV munchies, you're in for a surprise! These tasty tidbits pack a nutritional punch, combining tons of essential nutrients in one very delicious package. If you snack, snack it right.

One teeny ounce of almonds contains 12 percent of your daily allowance of protein. And absolutely no cholesterol, of course. You'll also get 35 percent of your daily allowance of vitamin E, that valuable antioxidant with so many cancer-fighting qualities. And most of the fat in almonds is monounsaturated, also known as the "good" fat.

This little nut is also loaded with minerals like magnesium, phosphorus and zinc, as well as lots of healthy fiber. And don't forget calcium and folic acid - they're in there too!

Make them, and then, I warn you, ration out your immediate portion and hide the rest or you will eat the whole lot in 20 minutes.

Toss the nuts in a large bowl to combine and spread them out on a baking sheet. Toast in the oven until light golden brown, about 10 minutes.
In a large bowl, combine the kaffir lime leaves, cayenne, sugar, salt and melted butter.

Thoroughly toss the toasted nuts in the spiced butter and serve warm. And once you eat these, you will never want to stop.