HIDDEN IN THE HILLS
HIDDEN IN THE HILLS
OUT & ABOUT
Richmond Club rolls out flavour , flair and Asian fare with popular Goji restaurant
Ferals and invasives
by Lachlan Turner
Hills district residents may be surprised to know that there are a considerable number of feral animals roaming unchecked in our region . They may be surprised at the number of invasive garden escapee plant species that are colonising our bushland and adjacent areas .
Most feral and invasive pests are the direct result of historical human decisions , some supposedly made with good intentions . Some were to help eradicate other introduced species .
Recent history has proven that the outcomes were not always good . It has now become the responsibility of everyone to be aware of the devastation caused by these exotic species which have no place in the Australian environment . All have the potential to destroy various elements of our unique Australian biodiversity .
Many have toxic effects on humans , domestic animals , livestock and native Australian birds , mammals , fish and insect species . By doing nothing about the adverse consequences of these species , the sad history of
feral infestations continues to be perpetuated .
It is illegal to keep , sell and trade ( swap ) many of these declared plant and animal species designated as having a detrimental effect on Australia ’ s biodiversity .
There are strong requests for community members to notify appropriate authorities where any of these species are observed in their region or other places . Some known local feral animals include foxes , cats , rats , rabbits , dogs , deer , cane toads and possibly horses and goats . All are a death sentence to native birds , mammals , reptiles and riparian dwellers . Some invasive plants known to overwhelm native bushland plants are Asparagus Ferns , Lantana , Blackberry , Privet varieties , Wandering Jew ( Trad ) and Scotch ( English ) Broom .
Feral birds such as Indian Myna , Starling and Feral Rock Pigeon harass and compete with native species for food and nesting spaces .
To read more about the destruction of Australia ’ s environmental biodiversity visit this link : online . fliphtml5 . com / awdd / jsni /
Australian Traveller featured Goji in its Best Restaurants in Sydney – and with the much- loved Penrith restaurant now set to open at Richmond Club , the community will have the best of Asian flavours handcrafted with flair and care right on their doorstep .
Standing proudly in the same venue as the much-loved Villaggio , Goji will open alongside a new main bar , cafe , sporting deck and new reception entry at Richmond Club .
Goji specialises in hand-pulled noodles , handmade dumplings , handmade roti , handmade desserts and stir firing on the wok for an extensive menu that brings together premium Asian flavours .
The starter menu includes Goji ’ s famous handmade dumplings , roti , pork and prawn wontons , Peking duck pancakes , salt and pepper squid with garlic and chilli .
On the main menu you ’ ll find everything from handmade noodle dishes to roasted meats and seafood .
The desserts will have you going from ‘ I ’ ll just take a peek at the menu ’ to ‘ I ’ ll have one of everything ’, although it ’ s hard to go past Goji ’ s famous Ferrero Rocher Fried Ice cream . A vanilla ice-cream ball , deep fried and dipped in chocolate with a hazelnut topping with a deep chocolatey richness to it – you won ’ t forget it .
And of course – the cocktails . Tailored to the venue and menu , the crowd favourite cocktails will include the refreshing Litchi and Ginger fizz , a beautifully light combination of Tanqueray , sherry , lychees , ginger and lemon , and the theatrical Kiss of the Red Dragon , a show-stopping combination of
Clockwise from top left : Duck breast orange citrus dressing salad ; Ferrero Rocher fried ice cream ; Pork and prawn wontons with spicy Sichuan sauce ; Duck pancakes with pickled cucumber and leek Hoisin sauce ; Buddhas delight dumpling ; and Chicken and vegetable pan fried dumpling .
Belvedere Pure , elderflower , strawberry , and citrus .
Dedicated chefs trained at its flagship restaurant in Penrith with years of experience across traditional Chinese cuisine , noodle bars and sushi and will bring the delights to life – with a focus on cooking with the wok in an open kitchen where flames blend exceptional flavours and freshness .
Kimberley Talbot , Group Chief Executive Officer for Richmond Club , said the new restaurant brings a popular cuisine to the Richmond Club , while maintaining a complementary balance with its existing offerings .
“ You can still come and have your lovely Italian Villaggio gourmet pizzas ; or you can kick back in the main bar and enjoy a mix of both with a share of handmade dumplings ,” she said .
“ Either way , you ’ ll be treated to meals that are a celebration of flavour , culture , and community , the right service and the right feel in our bar and our sports deck .”
The new sports lounge and deck features state of the art digital TAB facilities redeemable through the Club ’ s ATMs . Place a bet , settle in and watch the race , and redeem your winnings on the spot . And of course , you ’ ll be watching on one of the new , giant screens .
With its welcoming ambiance , the sports deck provides views over the famous Lowlands fire pit and is the perfect place to settle in any night of the week . The Club ’ s popular entertainment will continue , with country and western nights , open mic nights , and playlists for guests to choose from , just some of the many options available to keep the good times rolling .
24 ISSUE 110 // AUGUST 2024 theindependentmagazine . com . au THE HILLS INDEPENDENT