The Secret Ingredient is Cheese
Fatima Fazli reveals how her journey with Plate a Platter began and how she discovered her love for cheese
If there is one thing that brings people together, it’s cheese and Fatima Fazli has been working with these sophisticated party pleasers for quite some time now. It was fairly recently that she decided to transform her hobby into a business venture and has been eulogized by many ever since. Fatima reveals how her journey with Plate a Platter began, when she discovered her love for cheese and what’s new on the menu!
How did your journey start with Plate a Platter?
I went to Australia to complete my Masters in Visual Arts, after which I got married and moved to Lahore. I love entertaining and always enjoyed making cheese platters for family and friends. After a lot of appreciation and encouragement, I launched ‘Plate a Platter’, to share my passion for cheese with people who want to experience and enjoy something new and delicious.
Where does your love of cheese come from?
I first discovered my love for cheese during the eight years I spent in Sydney. Cheese was a part of every gathering. From casual picnics in the parks to chic art exhibitions; everyone enjoyed a good cheese platter. Once I started tasting different types of cheese, I couldn’t resist it. I went to a number of cheese tastings and even travelled to some of the regions where the finest Australian cheese was made.
Are there any specific rules that you follow while creating a cheese board?
Cheese boards for me are curated pieces of art. Each and every one is unique and meticulously put together keeping taste, colour and texture in mind. The best part about the boards is that all the flavours go well together. You can pick and choose to eat any item individually or make your own combinations. The cheese is paired and placed next to items that go well with it. For example brie is placed with jam and cream crackers. Cured meat is placed with sliced oranges and nuts. The whole concept is to engage ones senses, you can choose, pick and taste what appeals to you on the board. That experience makes it even more special, flavoursome and fulfilling.
What is your favourite kind of cheese to work with?
I don’t have a favourite, since I love all kinds of cheese and it’s so hard to choose just one. I enjoy working with Feta cheese. It’s salty and tangy and tastes delicious with olive oil and fresh herbs.
What do you love the most about creating cheese platters?
I love being able to create something that is not only visually appealing, but is also a feast for the palette. Plate a Platter has given me a platform to share some of the natural produce from our farm, Naseer Bagh. It encourages communal eating and is a great conversation starter.
What would you say to your younger self?
Be happy and passionate about what you enjoy doing and you will go a long way.
What fictional character do you remind yourself of?
Monica Geller from friends. I love cooking and keeping the house clean and organiased.
After cheese platters, do you plan on venturing into charcuterie board making as well?
Yes, I have already made a few charcuterie boards and will be introducing them soon. I have a lot of exciting, new ideas planned which will include seasonal and themed platters as well.
What is the most adventurous thing you have done?
Driving up through the Deosai National Park to Sheosar Lake, which is located within Skardu District in Gilgit Baltistan at 13,589 ft. The lake is one of the most stunning landscapes I have ever seen.
What is next on your bucket list?
Spending a summer in Tuscany. I would love to visit different regions to try their artisan cheese and unique dishes, based on their long history and location.
How did your journey start with Plate a Platter?
I went to Australia to complete my Masters in Visual Arts, after which I got married and moved to Lahore. I love entertaining and always enjoyed making cheese platters for family and friends. After a lot of appreciation and encouragement, I launched ‘Plate a Platter’, to share my passion for cheese with people who want to experience and enjoy something new and delicious.
Where does your love of cheese come from?
I first discovered my love for cheese during the eight years I spent in Sydney. Cheese was a part of every gathering. From casual picnics in the parks to chic art exhibitions; everyone enjoyed a good cheese platter. Once I started tasting different types of cheese, I couldn’t resist it. I went to a number of cheese tastings and even travelled to some of the regions where the finest Australian cheese was made.
Are there any specific rules that you follow while creating a cheese board?
Cheese boards for me are curated pieces of art. Each and every one is unique and meticulously put together keeping taste, colour and texture in mind. The best part about the boards is that all the flavours go well together. You can pick and choose to eat any item individually or make your own combinations. The cheese is paired and placed next to items that go well with it. For example brie is placed with jam and cream crackers. Cured meat is placed with sliced oranges and nuts. The whole concept is to engage ones senses, you can choose, pick and taste what appeals to you on the board. That experience makes it even more special, flavoursome and fulfilling.
What is your favourite kind of cheese to work with?
I don’t have a favourite, since I love all kinds of cheese and it’s so hard to choose just one. I enjoy working with Feta cheese. It’s salty and tangy and tastes delicious with olive oil and fresh herbs.
What do you love the most about creating cheese platters?
I love being able to create something that is not only visually appealing, but is also a feast for the palette. Plate a Platter has given me a platform to share some of the natural produce from our farm, Naseer Bagh. It encourages communal eating and is a great conversation starter.
What would you say to your younger self?
Be happy and passionate about what you enjoy doing and you will go a long way.
What fictional character do you remind yourself of?
Monica Geller from friends. I love cooking and keeping the house clean and organiased.
After cheese platters, do you plan on venturing into charcuterie board making as well?
Yes, I have already made a few charcuterie boards and will be introducing them soon. I have a lot of exciting, new ideas planned which will include seasonal and themed platters as well.
What is the most adventurous thing you have done?
Driving up through the Deosai National Park to Sheosar Lake, which is located within Skardu District in Gilgit Baltistan at 13,589 ft. The lake is one of the most stunning landscapes I have ever seen.
What is next on your bucket list?
Spending a summer in Tuscany. I would love to visit different regions to try their artisan cheese and unique dishes, based on their long history and location.