Joelle recently published an article in Food, Wine, and Travel Magazine about her incredible meal at Dalida in San Francisco’s Presidio. She was so impressed that she pitched the article to the magazine and it was accepted. It was our first article on a restaurant and it was much more fun to write than expected. While we can’t share the entire article due to publication guidelines, we’re excited to offer a glimpse. Click the link below the small excerpt to read the full article and discover all the details.
Dalida: Mediterranean Magic in San Francisco’s Presidio
Published on FWT Magazine April 25, 2025 Joelle Machia
On a lovely Thursday night, I stepped into Dalida just as the soft light settled over the Presidio, a national park site in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. The sky blushed, the Main Parade Lawn stood wide and still, and inside the former military building on its southwest corner, there was a pulse.
The warm clatter of glass, the flutter of napkins, and the smell of sumac and sizzling butter wafted toward the door. Within minutes, I sat down, sipping a cocktail that tasted like passionfruit, summer tomatoes, and a garden still warm from the sun.
That cocktail, “P.S. I Love You,” was the first sign that Dalida was going to be more than just a nice night out.
This place doesn’t just serve food; it unspools stories. Each dish carries a history, each room feels lived-in, and each glass of wine invites a conversation.
A Story in Every Plate
The chefs, Sayat and Laura Ozyilmaz, are a married couple who somehow make this whole place feel like a well-rehearsed symphony, yet also like a house party where you’ve somehow stumbled into the kitchen just in time to taste something incredible off the spoon.
They’ve taken their multicultural roots and funneled them into a menu that’s fearless, intelligent, and heartfelt. He is from Istanbul with Armenian heritage, and she is from Mexico City with a deep respect for tradition and freedom. It’s no wonder Dalida has earned praise from Esquire, Eater SF, and the James Beard Foundation. But hype fades. Flavor doesn’t. Dalida delivers both.
Take the Istanbul-style mussel dolmas: plump, cold, savory. They arrive like tiny edible envelopes, stuffed with spiced rice, pine nuts, and a whisper of the sea. Or the cube of nixtamalized butternut squash (soaked in an alkaline solution to enhance flavor, texture, and depth, like corn turned into masa), filled with goat cheese and a flash of preserved lemon. It’s not just beautiful, it’s curious, and it invites you in.
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To read the full article on FWT Magazine, click here.
Some Images from Dalida and the Presidio
Flights, Accommodations, and Everything You Need to Book in One Place
Are you planning a vacation this year to Japan to have your own Tokyo Experiences? Start your research early to explore your options and find what fits your budget. By booking your own travel, you’ll uncover great deals and have complete control over your itinerary. The links below can be used for all elements of your trip, not just accommodations.
It is essential to price out accommodations on various sites. Expedia is a US-based company, whereas Booking.com is Europe-based. Not all properties appear on both, so it is ideal to check both out. Our personal first choice is Booking.com. If the establishment has a website, check the price there as well. Click the link below to check out hotels and vacation homes in the area. It may be just the motivation you need to start planning that next grand adventure.
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June 15, 2025Our Top Recommended Travel Products
Travel Insurance
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To empower you as a consumer, we recommend you read our blog post on why travel insurance is essential and how to secure the best coverage from leading companies at an affordable price.
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Accommodations and Airfare
Booking.com
Hotels, Home rentals, BNBs, Flights, and other Transportation & Tours
Booking.com connects millions of travelers to unforgettable experiences, a wide range of transportation options, and incredible places to stay—from homes to hotels and beyond. As one of the world’s largest travel marketplaces, it supports well-known brands and entrepreneurs of all sizes. For its convenience, variety, and reliability, it’s our preferred booking platform.
Expedia and VRBO
Hotels, home rentals, BNBs, flights, and other transportation & tours
Expedia is a U.S.-based company with a mission to make global travel accessible to everyone, everywhere. At Wanderers Compass, we embrace independent travel, and platforms like Expedia are essential to making that a reality. Expedia allows you to book every aspect of your trip—from flights and accommodations to rental cars, cruises, and activities—making it a one-stop shop for all your travel needs.
Transportation
Daytrip
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Daytrip provides an affordable private car service for city-to-city transfers worldwide, and we absolutely love their service. It’s a cost-effective alternative to renting a car, providing comfortable, stress-free travel with the bonus of scenic stops along the way. For example, we used Daytrip for travel between Budapest and Vienna, enjoying some fantastic detours to local attractions. With professional drivers and customizable routes, Daytrip ensures a smooth ride while allowing you to explore hidden gems and unique sights along your journey.
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Travel Experiences
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Communication products for seamless connectivity overseas
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Shopping
Wanderers Compass Amazon Storefront
An excellent source for all travel essentials and guides that we have vetted ourselves
Amazon is one of the world’s most comprehensive online shopping platforms, offering lower prices, a wide selection, and fast delivery through teams worldwide.
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