Weekly Food News: The meals tax hike, Don’t Look Back lives up to its name, Galentine’s Day in Short Pump, and more

All the news that’s fit to eat

City Council votes 7-2 to increase meals tax by 1.5 percentage points – Let’s start out with the week’s biggest news by far. City Council voted to increase the city’s meals tax by 1.5 percentage points Monday evening on the 7-2 vote, bringing the city’s total tax on prepared meals to 7.5%–one of the highest of its kind in the nation, and effectively a 25% increase. The vote came after more than five hours of debate at City Hall. The increase should rake in $9.1 million per year by many estimates, all of which will go towards repairing current city schools and building a few new ones over the next five years, all made possible by the tax, which will allow officials to raise the city’s debt capacity. Get caught up here.

Don’t Look Back leaving Carytown for Scott’s Addition – After announcing last week that it was opening a new restaurant in Forest Hill, Carytown born and bred taco joint Don’t Look Back shared the news that it has leased the former Triple pool hall in Scott’s Addition, leaving its fire-damaged Carytown location behind. And before you ask (as many have), the Triple’s iconic neon sign will stay as part of the lease terms. More here.

Matchbox Restaurant hosting Galentine’s Day event in Short Pump Thursday – Even if Valentine’s Day isn’t your thing, chances are pizza, craft cocktails, and chocolate are. Gather up the ladies in your life and head out to Matchbox Restaurant in Short Pump on Thursday night for their Galentine’s Day event. For $25, you’ll get to enjoy a welcome cocktail crafted by Belle Isle Moonshine, enjoy samples from Chocolates By Kelly, enjoy appetizers, and more. Get your tickets here.

This week’s restaurant reviews

• The Wine Loft (Richmond Times-Dispatch)