Counting on Karaam – Lebanese in Ealing:

Sitting across from the Town Hall in Ealing Broadway is Karaam, a Lebanese restaurant which I had been asked to review with an interesting and substantial looking menu offering Lebanese classics, Moroccan and Middle Eastern dishes as well as some of their own signature creations. Lebanese food encompasses the cuisines of Egypt, Palestine and Syria with a strong Mediterranean influence as well as elements from the food cultures of erstwhile invaders, the Turkish and the French. My companion sunk a cool Almaza Lebanese beer (£3.45) and I went for the healthy apple, carrot and ginger juice (£2.50) whilst we looked over the menu.There is a wide selection of hot and cold starters as well as salads and our waiter suggested we began with a bowl of Fatoush (£4.25)- a really tasty mixed salad with herbs, the salad given a bit of crunch by some toasted Lebanese bread.My main course was a generous dish of grilled sea bass and rice(£14) slathered with a delicious hot and spicy tomato sauce.Mixed Shawarma (£14)- grilled chicken and lamb, marinated in vinegar, spices and onions- was melt in the mouth, spicy and smoky from the charcoal.We finished with mint tea and baklava-the perfect end to the meal! Karaam has a weekend lunch menu of 2 courses with a glass of wine for £13 and special lunch meal deals for £6 so it really is the sort of place you can just drop into and not feel guilty about the cost. Portions are on the largish size so it’s perfect for anyone with a large appetite!