Platform

"We find ourselves at Platform multiple times throughout the day. Just a couple blocks from the studio, you can find us grabbing a latte most mornings at Blue Bottle Coffee, picking up lunch at Loqui, indulging in an afternoon ice cream treat at Van Leeuwen, browsing ephemera at Poketo or testing a new scent at Aesop. This beautifully landscaped consortium of hip boutiques and cafes is great for a quick bit of respite, great people watching or a quick stroll." - Rapt Studio

"Soft pretzel pop-up, Olly’s Pretzels, now has a more permanent weekends-only setup at the Culver City Platform. Born out of the pandemic, Olly’s began when a coworker began dropping off soft pretzels to her colleagues stuck at home (you’ve got some big shoes to fill, Brant), then shared her recipe so that they could start making it themselves. Now, you’ll be able to find their signature, all-natural pretzels (made with organic flour and no lye) brushed with butter and salt at their new brightly colored kiosk every Saturday and Sunday. They’re also looking for a “sexier name than ‘kiosk,’” if anyone has any suggestions. Preorders can be placed through their website." - kat hong

"A sense of discovery pervades at this innovative, open-air retail development in Culver City, which opened in 2016. Six buildings house first-to-market concept shops, pop-ups, and creative company headquarters. The place is constantly evolving, with a stylish lineup of businesses stepping in temporarily (St. Frank housewares, Charlotte Stone shoes) or permanently (Bird Brooklyn's first West Coast outpost, Magasin men’s boutique, design shop Poketo). Be sure to hit some Southern California favorites, including The Edit by Freda Salvador and Janessa Leone, for shoes and hats, and Reservoir L.A. for an impeccable edit of local fashion brands. You’ll also find great iced coffee at Blue Bottle, acai bowls at São Acai, and tacos at the unmissable Loqui. Studded with cacti and succulents, as well as hanging chairs, the outdoor areas encourage leisurely shopping breaks. Keep an eye on the Platform’s schedule of events for outdoor concerts, film screenings, and food festivals. Pro tip: Put aside 35 minutes for an Aesop Express Facial at the cult Aussie beauty shop—it’s one of only four of the brand’s shops worldwide that offers them."

"Flatpoint is another excellent pop-up that specializes in simple, well-executed Central Texas BBQ. People line up for chef Danny Gordon’s brisket, pulled pork, and spare ribs, but don’t skip out on their sausage that range from serrano-cheddar to Polish kielbasa. However, the real secret of Flatpoint is their pastrami - a specialty that only appears on their menu about once a month. So follow them on Instagram and track it down, because this is some of the best we’ve ever eaten. You can buy it by the pound, but we prefer to get the “Pastrami Mami” sandwich, which comes with thick slabs of their salty, smoky pastrami topped with dill pickles and sweet apple slaw on seeded rye bread. It’s a perfect sandwich and one that should be on everyone’s priority list." - Brant Cox

"A couple that started as pop-ups are already putting down roots: Pop’s has set up shop in Culver City’s Platform..." - Karen Palmer