116 3rd St SE
Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52401

Elijah Decious
The first time I learned how to ask good questions was at age 5, when I learned Santa Claus was not real. “Whose lap have I been sitting on all these years?!” was the first question I asked, according to my mother.
I’m a features reporter for The Gazette, which means I have the opportunity to get to know folks on a more personal level, show people the best parts of life and demonstrate how daily news affects members of the community. In addition to covering restaurants and food news, I serve on The Gazette’s Fact Checker team and have a particular passion for human interest pieces as well as stories focusing on marginalized communities.
Sometimes, taking a moment to listen to others and reflect on what they say — even those who might not think they have much of a story to tell — really puts things in perspective.
When I’m not reporting, I like to travel, go bird watching, search for new items to add to my Peanuts collection and keep my cat from scaring away the cardinals on my balcony.
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Latest Articles by Elijah Decious
Restaurants Mar. 6, 2025 5:00 am205d ago
If you’re missing CR Midnight Smoker’s brisket, ribs and pulled pork while it’s between locations, chances are you’re not the only one.
People & Places Mar. 6, 2025 7:23 am205d ago
At the Slime Kitchen in Coral Ridge Mall, your interpretation of the recipe is what keeps things interesting.
Restaurants Mar. 5, 2025 6:15 am206d ago
BarTini’s, a new lounge opened Feb. 1 in the Kingston Yard neighborhood, brings one of the first specialty martini bars to Cedar Rapids.
Restaurants Mar. 5, 2025 5:45 am206d ago
The Asian restaurant commenced with its soft opening March 1 at 5070 Lindale Dr. NE, according to a social media announcement. The new replacement fills the vacancy left by former restaurant Mezcal Tequila Cocina.
Restaurants Mar. 4, 2025 2:30 pm206d ago
Go ahead and pull around to the next location. 🍟
Restaurants Mar. 4, 2025 7:35 am207d ago
A formerly popular Mexican restaurant is auctioning off its equipment on short notice this week, after closing the last of its locations.
Music Mar. 3, 2025 7:58 am208d ago
Music is a multimillion dollar economy in Cedar Rapids. But new results from the Cedar Rapids Music Census highlight concerns about a siloed scene with low pay and limited opportunities in an industry some say is not taken seriously.
Restaurants Feb. 26, 2025 6:30 am213d ago
Anh’s Bread Therapy, opened by owner Anh Le in May, will soon be leaving NewBo for a Czech Village spot.
Restaurants Feb. 26, 2025 10:46 am212d ago
New, feline-occupied spaces are becoming the cat’s meow across the Corridor.
Restaurants Feb. 24, 2025 9:06 am215d ago
A celebration of Cedar Rapids’ rich culinary scene is back this year for Cedar Rapids Restaurant Week. Here are some of the things you should try first.
News Feb. 23, 2025 5:30 am216d ago
Whether it be part-time or full-time opportunities, TikTok has provided big breaks for Iowa content creators. As the ban of TikTok looms with uncertainty, they stand to lose a lot.
Restaurants Feb. 19, 2025 1:35 pm219d ago
After 6 years in business, Gianna’s Italian Beef has closed without warning.
Restaurants Feb. 19, 2025 8:34 am220d ago
From Japanese lunch sets and swordfish to grape cocktails and pappardelle, there’s no shortage of delights in this year’s specials for Think Iowa City Restaurant Week.
News Feb. 17, 2025 8:10 am222d ago
Named executive director of the Catherine McAuley Center on Jan. 14, Anne Dugger took the helm of the nonprofit service provider for refugees, immigrants, women and adult learners. Here’s her vision.
People & Places Feb. 15, 2025 6:00 am224d ago
Called “Black Memorabilia” and “Black Americana” at times, blackface characters and apparel have had a long run in America. Now, the African American Museum is confronting their legacy head-on.