Ghostbuster Ristorante Pizzeria

Via Aurelia 961, Castiglioncello
Visited 26th December 2007

Italy is a long way from the MCG so making the Boxing Day Test was going to be difficult; instead of the cricket we went to the beach. Tuscany isn't known for its coast and the stretch we drove between Cecina and Livorno was a pleasant un-touristy area with quiet little towns, rocky cliffs and the odd dark, sandy beach. Ghostbuster in Castiglioncello won us with its name and logo, but instead of a shrine to 80s tack we were greeted with a stylish, airy restaurant, packed with satisfied looking locals.

Ghostbuster's menu is classic Italian and I couldn't go past seafood gnocchi. These delightfully tender little gnocchi were served with whole prawns, langoustines and a rich, creamy sauce. The others went with pizzas, linguine with mussels and pesto and the usual insalata mista on the side (surely one of the snappiest named dishes in Italy). The food was superb and deliciously fresh, however Naomi was shocked by the anchovies crowning her Napoletana pizza (which later research proved to be spot-on authentic). Surprising I drunk water - perhaps I was feeling sorry for my brother who stupidly put only his own name on the car insurance and thus limited his mid-day wine consumption or perhaps I was just hung-over.

Ghostbuster was perfect; friendly service, excellent food and a slick setting. The bill came to only €45 which was great value for such a satisfying lunch. That evening we pulled out a VHS copy of Ghostbusters found hidden at the house and lost ourselves in classic 80s cinema and some Bill Murray magic.