Alioto-Lazio Shutters, Dine About Town Starts and More!

THE SHUTTER - The fish wholesaler that's perhaps most symbolic of San Francisco, Alioto-Lazio Fish Co. -- which interestingly is run entirely by women -- has closed after over 70 years in business. They say the "ongoing construction related to Exxon Mobil and the Port of San Francisco's oil pollution cleanup activities" have made it impossible for them to continue operating. A port spokesperson counters no other tenants in the area have complained about the activity. The Chron has the full story. And since the port activities should abate in March, Alioto-Lazio may return, but certainly no promises here. [Chron]

DEALS - The 10th annual Dine About Town fixed price menu extravaganza begins tomorrow in San Francisco. It's a slow time in the restaurant world, so do everyone a favor and participate. Our earlier rundown on the rigmarole can be found here. [EaterWire]

RATINGS - AAA has released its 2011 Five Diamond ratings, which according to the Sun-Times "still hold much weight in the white-tablecloth world." Local restaurants making the cut are Gary Danko, The Dining Room at the Ritz-Carlton and The French Laundry. [AAA]

LAUNCHES & RELEASES - Chef David Bazirgan left Chez Papa Resto for Fifth Floor in October and has been working on his fancy new creations ever since. And now it appears the new menus are ready to go. Three words: douglas fir consomme. [ISSF, Eater, earlier]

THE GAV - Did you know the Mission's Beretta has a certificate of honor from Gavin Newsom? We'd be kidding you if we said this didn't bring Yigit Pura Day to mind. So now only one question remains: will Ed Lee be so generous in his restaurant industry appreciation? [Mission Mission, Eater, earlier]

OPENING REPORT - Those fond of Mandalay, Pagan and others in the genre, should know a new Burmese restaurant has joined the party. Burma Tea Leaf just opened at 731 Clement Street, conveniently close to Burma Superstar should the wait be exhausting. [Chowhound via SFoodie]

THE SHUTTER EXTRA - Late last year, the chef at El Rincon closed up shop and moved across the street to 17415 Monterey Rd to open a similarly upscale Mexican restaurant called Sangria's. After reading these shutter-esque reports on Chowhound regarding the new spot, we called the restaurant to get the skinny. And the number is disconnected. So there you have it. [Chowhound, EaterWire]

Alioto Lazio Fish Co. [Photo: Yelp/gwinnie p.]