The other day, I didn’t feel like eating the normal quick lunch and wanted to treat myself to something a little nicer. After thinking of the endless options available, I decided to call ahead and place an order for pickup at La Guardia (using the menu on WindsorEats of course!). An Italian eating Italian? How original, I know, but, I was really craving Italian food.

Owner Michael Ciliberto has really put together some nice lunch options and daily lunch specials. I couldn’t make up my mind and was a tad more than just hungry, so I decided to get the Tuesday special of Lasagna and a salad to go along with a Barbeque Chicken sandwich.

Lasagna from La Guardia for lunch
Lasagna from La Guardia for lunch

I arrived a bit earlier than I had stated when I ordered on the phone, so Mike and I started a nice little conversation about how 2009 will mark 30 years La Guardia has been in business. It is a compliment indeed when a restaurant is able to stay in business that long. He mentioned how rewarded it feels when he sees customers who used to come in as a child with their parents, now continuing that tradition with their own children.

When the food arrived, I rushed straight home so I could devour the goods…err…I mean savour the flavours and ingredients of my meal. The flavours and texture of the food immediately told me the food was fresh. The lasagna noodles were thick and “al dente”, exactly the way pasta noodles should be. The meat sauce was delicious and also thicker. Perfect for using some fresh bread to scoop it up.

BBQ Chicken Sandwich from La Guardia's lunch menu
BBQ Chicken Sandwich from La Guardia's lunch menu

The chicken in the sandwich was moist with some rosemary on it to add some flavour. Now it wasn’t the type of BBQ chicken sandwich you would expect going to some fast food joint, rather, what you would expect from literally using a BBQ. It wasn’t drowned in any sauces, rather, grilled with simple and natural flavours.

The price was very reasonable for both items and the taste spectacular. A definite for someone in Downtown Windsor looking for a quick, yet high quality, lunch.