With Mardi Gras in full motion, a local restaurant, Fat Tuesday’s is embracing the festivity. The head chef, Samuel McClintok was standing outside of the restaurant in a full sparkly gold cape, gold crown and a purple checkered mask shaking maracas on Tuesday evening. There were drums playing and people laughing – an all around positive environment. “You won’t normally catch me dressed this way” McClintok jokes when asked about his attire. Fat Tuesdays is a New Orleans styled establishment which is why they are celebrating Mardi Gras to its full extent. The man behind the mask, Chef Samuel, was a mysterious and simple person. It was obvious that he was in his element, his happy place, being at work. “I am excited to be here, especially for Mardi Gras, and I am looking forward to what the year will bring” McClinktok explained. “I love my job, and my family. They are the reason why I am here at this moment” he continued. As more people started to surround the outside of the restaurant, even just to stand under the heater while they smoked their cigarettes, McClintok smiled and welcomed them all. Positivity radiated off of the chef, “the only thing I am aiming for is to become better at my job” stated McClintok. The man behind the mask is purely happy, not hiding from the world but embracing it.

Author: Mackenzie Eivinsin