Forget the soggy outdoor playgrounds this weekend. Rain may falling across the South Coast, but Huskisson’s kitchens are firing up with serious comfort food. From rich laksa to slow-cooked lamb shanks, here is your insider guide to staying warm and well-fed with the family.
Chalkboard Specials at Husky Pub
Affectionately known as the Husky Pub, our iconic heritage hotel is widely celebrated as one of the Shoalhaven’s ultimate flagship pub dining experiences and a major South Coast drawcard for families during the school holidays.
The pub effortlessly blends seaside chic with cozy local warmth. Step inside out of the rain to find a bustling bistro, light-filled dining spaces and sweeping views over the moody winter waters of Jervis Bay. Choose a plush booth or a table outside under the overhead heaters to await your winter warmers.
We sampled one of the chalkboard specials for you, the aromatic laksa $24, which the staff said is their take-home choice right now, proof it’s a winner. Also on the bistro’s specials this weekend and throughout the school holidays, a Mediterranean lentil soup $18 and a traditional boscaiola pizza $24.
Thanks to executive chef Anthony Telford’s time in Malaysia and Singapore and the talented Thai chefs among the kitchen team, the laksa delivers traditional flavours and harmonious balance in every bowl. Pillowy cubes of fried tofu soak up all that broth, fresh bean sprouts, Vietnamese mint and Asian herbs, vermicelli noodles for that expert slurp and at the end a little noodle chin slap, with a sprinkle of golden fried shallots for crunch.
There are additional protein options on offer, Queensland prawns $8, poached chicken $7, or combine the two for $14 These bowls are large, just the way they are traditionally served, so prepare to possibly takeleft overs home (ask the staff for a container).
If you are looking for a vegan alternative, the Mediterranean lentil soup is a standout option. It features fresh spinach stirred through at the end and is served with freshly toasted Sonoma focaccia. Sonoma Artisan bakery is highly regarded for its premium sourdough, using only freshly-milled flour, filtered water, sea salt, and their original starter culture.
If you love the comforting flavours of boscaiola, then this pizza special is one you don’t want to miss! The bistro has transformed tradition into a stunning pizza featuring a rich mushroom, bacon, and herb blend, layered over a garlic herb oil base and finished with fresh, gooey mozzarella cheese.
Boscaiola, meaning “woodsman style”, is a hearty, rustic Italian classic attributed to traditional foraging in the forests of Tuscany. Historically, lumberjacks built this meal around wild mushrooms gathered from the forest floor, pairing them with hearty meats like sausage or bacon.
Menu access between 11.30am– 3pm and dinner 5pm– 8.30pm, with “all-day menu” options offered between 3pm–5pm.
The Ginge Winning Winter Flavours
Another ultimate winter sanctuary this weekend is Wildginger at the top-end of Huskisson’s bustling main strip. Known for its exceptional Asian fusion and intimate wine bar vibe, the kitchen has just dropped two spectacular new dishes that are explicitly designed to counter the winter chill.
New on the menu is the red duck curry $42, slowly cooked for hours to achieve exceptional tenderness while still pink in the centre, then grilled until the skin is perfectly crisp. Served in a fragrant red curry with lychees, cherry tomatoes and fresh herbs for a perfect combination.
Straight from the pristine local waters of the bay, fresh Jervis Bay mussels $34 are wok-tossed in crisp white wine and simmered in a fragrant, warming Penang curry made in-house with fresh southeast Asian herbs.
Served in Wildginger’s chic, contemporary dining room, this dish perfectly captures the restaurant’s signature cozy and ambient coastal style. The wine bar atmosphere and rich aromas of South East Asian fusion make it another ultimate winter comfort experience in Jervis Bay.
Dining 5pm– 9pm, venue doors open from 3pm for a pre-dinner drink.
Slow-cooking Sandbar Style
Few dishes say “winter comfort” quite like a slow-cooked lamb shank, and Sandbar Restaurant has the perfect weekend special. Chef Jason Wilkinson is serving up a chermoula lamb shank, a favourite from their menu that brings the ultimate warmth to these school holidays. Accompanied by roast pumpkin, honeyed carrots, labneh and a fresh salsa verde, the fragrant Moroccan spice blend elevates every single bite. At $38, it is the perfect excuse to escape the chill for a hearty lunch or dinner.
Also proving popular this weekend is the sous vide lamb rump special with sweet potato smash, pea purée, mint glaze and rich gravy. A delicious take on the classic lamb roast, this $32 special has all the elements presented in a contemporary style.
The lamb is sourced from the rich farming district of Cowra in Central West NSW, an area well known for producing quality Australian lamb. It’s a lovely reminder that great local dishes often begin with exceptional regional produce.
For a super school holiday family night, lock in Noche Mexicana at Sandbar on Thursday, a lively evening offering a line-up of steak chimichurri and spice burrito bowls. Appetizers and small plates are priced from $8 to $18, mains are $24 to $30 .
Dessert this coming Thursday is “churros mess” which Chef describes as taking the principles of Eton Mess and applying them to churros but adding torched meringue, whipped mascarpone, coulis and ganache, $12.
Dinner is 5pm–9pm and weekend drinks 3pm–5pm with an all-day menu offered 3pm–9pm on weekends. GF and vegetarian options are available.
Find Sandbar Restaurant on Hawke Street Huskisson, opposite White Sands Park.
