Sister Mary Lou to Leave Reconcile; Gift Local with the New Orleans Food Co-Op

CENTRAL CITY?Serving as its Executive Director since 2008, Sister Mary Lou Specha will be leaving Café Reconcile at the end of this year. In an email to supporters of the café, she wrote, "I am uncertain as to 'what's next' but know that God will lead me where I can best use my gifts to serve this City that I deeply love." [EaterWire]

STATEWIDE?Utah-based distillery (yes, those exist in Utah) High West Distillery is expanding to Louisiana through a partnership with Southern Eagle distributors. Several of the company's whiskeys and two vodkas will soon be available here. [EaterWire]

MARIGNY?The New Orleans Food Co-Op is hosting a "Green Gifts Festival" this Saturday and Sunday from 11-5. In addition to the opportunity to "gift local," visitors can also get "free treats for all." The food co-op is at 2372 St. Claude Ave. [Facebook]

Sister Mary Lou Specha with a graduate at the most recent Café Reconcile Graduation. [Photo: Facebook]