The Platter Girls
Did you know that you can taste a story?
A grape is never just a grape. It’s the result of previous generations striving for genetic perfection. It’s the time, energy, and resources spent getting it to the shelves of markets and stores.
So, what stories do you sample when eating from something so diverse and varied as a charcuterie board?
Amongst the hand selected fruits and the finest meats and cheeses- each with their own tale- sits a seemingly simple hors d'oeuvre: a phyllo cup brimming with crab salad. Before the conception of The Platter Girls, crab salad was a holiday staple for founders Anesha Mungroo (she/her) and Lystra Khan (she/her.)
The crab salad is an edible story. It’s the story of an independent woman who built a life in the US for over 36 years. It’s the strength and determination she imbued in the women of her family, like Anesha. It’s the love and care that Rohani Dookeran, or Aunty Roni, shows for those she loves.
This delectable bite is a glimpse of the women behind The Platter Girls and the people who support and inspire them. Run by Anesha and Lystra, The Platter Girls is an up-and coming charcuterie and food styling business located in NYC. This super duo is dedicated to producing gorgeous edible displays for any event.
But before we talk about the business of today, let’s go back to the very beginning of it all.
The Origin Story
2020 was a scary time, and a lonely one at that. So, when 2021 landed on our doorsteps, many of us were uncertain of how we should approach the new year. Like many others, Anesha and Lystra found themselves asking: How can we spend time with loved ones, without putting them in harm’s way?
The Platter Girls began during the pandemic. We wanted to make sure that we adhered to all the guidelines, which meant losing a social life completely. We didn't go anywhere. We weren’t hanging out with our friends. We weren't meeting extended family.
They stayed within their small pod, holding private Taco Tuesdays and cocktail tastings. But once COVID restrictions eased up, Lystra and Anesha had the chance to invite some friends, who had all tested negative, for charcuterie brunches.
We had waffles and pancakes with different fruits and spreads. We also made grazing tables– all to have the communal aspect again while still being safe. Charcuterie was a great way of introducing a sense of normalcy back into our lives.
After two rough years, Anesha and Lystra created a six-foot grazing table for a family celebration. The roses and rosé themed brunch was the catalyst that launched The Platter Girls. They received so many inquiries about catering and planning events, that the charcuterie duo began to consider this as something more than a creative outlet.
This appetizer is inspired by @ainttooproudtomeg and is perfect for autumn entertaining.
When we first saw @ainttooproudtomeg and @ok_graze share their Pumpkin Cheese Balls, we were instantly reminded of good old Trinidad cheese paste. Cheese paste is served all year round, as a light snack with crackers and tea, or a fun lunch spread for kids. It’s vegetarian, and as Hindus it’s a great item to eat when we need to fast throughout the year. I grew up with my aunts letting us add food coloring to the cheese paste and spreading it on bread and cutting out triangle shaped sandwiches for us to enjoy. It’s fun and delicious! Trinidad Cheese paste is similar to the pimento cheese dip you can order at your deli market or grocery store.
-Anesha
Anesha: I went away to Costa Rica on a solo vacation for two weeks, and I realized I wanted to do something more purposeful, fun, and therapeutic. But also, something that brings people together- because that's what brings me the most joy in life.
It was 3 a.m., one of those sleepless nights. Instead of being on TikTok, I created a private Instagram account with photos of personal charcuterie boards we made in the pandemic. I hit up Lystra and asked “Hey Lys, if we make this Instagram public, do you want to ride with this?”
They had no inventory, and yet, they made the leap.
Lystra: I said, “I'm down, let's do this.” We launched, and when I say launched, we weren’t even an LLC at the time. We were just a creative business on Instagram with zero followers.
Present Day
Now, Anesha and Lystra are both working nine to five jobs while running an ever-growing charcuterie and food styling business. It is an absolute treat to watch them work. Charcuterie itself, is good – But The Platter Girls make it great.
Anesha: Neither one of us have had our own business before. So, the entire experience is a learning process. It’s just a two woman show. There's no extra. We have the support of our family and friends, but as far as what goes into The Platter Girls, Lystra and I alone. So, it's a big deal.
It’s clear that thought and attention goes into every aspect of their work. From the sustainable cutlery to the ingredients themselves- everything is punctuated with a sense of care, determination, and precision.
Lystra: Everybody sees a board and says “Oh, I can do that.” But when you think about it, sometimes we spend 5 hours shopping for fruits. Nobody knows there’s a lot that goes behind this, like washing, drying, prepping, packing, storing, and more.
Whether before or after work, or even on their lunch breaks, Lystra and Anesha are sourcing fresh and gorgeous ingredients. As a small business themselves, they recognize the importance of supporting the small business community. A lot of their produce comes from local grocers and markets. Their souvenir boards are handcrafted by local carpenter Ashram Mohammed of AARC Creative Designs. So, as you can see, for The Platter Girls it’s all or nothing.
So, next time you pick up a grape, think of the stories behind it.
Check out The Platter Girls on their Instagram!
*Cover Illustration and The Platter Girls Logo by Ayla Ramdin
**This article is not sponsored.