Bring your appetite and your favourite people to the table as local kitchens in Huskisson and Vincentia invite you to special Christmas in July events, with a side of community fundraising. Gather round for festive Italian feasts and beachside banquets.
Santa’s Jet Ski Stops at La Vespa
This Saturday 18 July, Santa has traded his reindeer for a PWC (personal water craft) for our local Jervis Bay Marine Rescue who are the guests of honour at Christmas in July at La Vespa Italian Restaurant in the Vincentia shopping village. Alongside the carols and traditional fare, a portion of every $45 dinner helps support the volunteers who keep our local waterways safe.
Enjoy a generous three-course Italian feast, expect a visit from Santa with poenty of photos opps, and bid in the silent auction for a range of vouchers donated by Bud’s Tavern, Bowline Therapy, Crossfit Huski and Boobook on Owen.
The meal starts with crispy calamari fritti and house-made arancini, followed by a selection of mains, salads, potatoes and of course, La Vespa’s famous cannoli for dessert.
Licensed or BYO (bottle shop in the arcade).
Buon Natale at Peter Eva
You have four options for a buon Natale on Owen Street Huskisson, as Peter Eva Italian Restaurant offers their version of Christmas for lunch and dinner on Friday 24 and Saturday 25 July.
We already know that Peter and Eva are experts at turning any occasion into a festive treat, and this Christmas in July is no exception.
The classic Christmas colours are on display in this feast, starting with cannelloni ricotta e spinaci $35, delicate pasta tubes filled with creamy ricotta and spinach, then baked beneath rich red Napoletana sauce, silky béchamel and bubbling mozzarella.
There’s also polpettone con patate $47, a traditional Italian meatloaf stuffed with boiled eggs, mozzarella, ham and spinach, served alongside crispy potato wedges.
Pizza lovers can tuck into the festive Pizza Natale $31, topped with pumpkin cream, Italian sausage, provolone and mozzarella on a white base.
It wouldn’t be Christmas without a pudding! Those with a sweet tooth can finish with gnocchi fritti con Nutella $29, crisp, golden fried pizza dough dusted with sugar and drizzled with everyone’s favourite chocolate-hazelnut spread.
Expect the warm vibrant hospitality Peter and Eva are known for and celebrate Christmas the Italian way—around a table with plenty of food, family and friends.
Licensed or BYO (drive-through bottle shop is a few doors up).
Sandbar Spectacular Adds a Second Night
Good news for festive foodies, Sandbar Restaurant has added a second Christmas in July four-course chef’s table banquet, $75 on Friday 24 July from 6pm.
When the Saturday night sold out in a flash, proprietor John Nixon and Chef Jason Wilkinson did not hesitate to add a second evening of celebrations.
The shared menu has a distinctly Australian flavour and the style that Jason brings to the plate. The feast begins with a generous spread of charcuterie, fresh local prawns and baked brie topped with spiced figs.
The main event brings together crispy pork belly with apple and quince compote, mustard-crusted beef finished with rich onion jus, glazed ham, seasonal salads and charred vegetables, perfectly presented for sharing around the table.
And because no Christmas table is complete without something sweet, dessert arrives as a smashed pav with drunken cherries and mascarpone.
Chef Jason shares that Sandbar’s festive menu draws on his different family Christmas experiences, with the priority on creating a relaxed, welcoming evening that remains affordable for everyone.
For some of the restaurant staff with their roots in Europe, their celebrations begin on Christmas Eve. For John, whose connection with Europe continues to shape the way he celebrates food, hospitality and festive occasions, the 24th is a natural fit for Sandbar’s celebration.
Add a few festive cocktail specials and plenty of good company, this sounds like one very merry winter’s night.
Venue is fully licensed and bookings are essential.
Vincentia Christmas Finale at La Vespa
The Christmas cheer and celebratory menu continue on Saturday 25 July, when La Vespa Italian Restaurant hosts its own Christmas in July celebration from 5pm to 9pm.
Bring your best singing voice for Xmas karaoke, another visit from Santa, festive prizes and donations supporting the Nowra homeless shelter.
It’s the perfect excuse to dust off the Christmas jumper, gather a few friends and enjoy a relaxed midwinter night out.
Then on Sunday 26 July, the festive finale will benefit the local RSL Sub-branch, as $10 from every $45 dinner is donated directly to the organisation. Wrap yourself in your festive finery for a chance to win Best Dressed, or wrap a <$15 gift to take part in a secret Santa swap.
Alongside the festive menu, on this Sunday La Vespa’s kitchen will offer any pizza as a main course option as well.
Whether you’re in it for the homemade pasta, festive fun or the chance to support one of these local community groups, La Vespa proves Christmas in July is really about bringing people together.
Bookings are essential for any of these special events.
