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 May. 1, 2025 6:15 am229d ago
Whose pork tenderloin makes you squeal the most? Now is your time to let the judges know.
Restaurants Apr. 30, 2025 6:15 am230d ago
After reopening in downtown Cedar Rapids in April 2024, the ghost kitchen popular for its Cuban sandwiches has again closed without notice.
Restaurants Apr. 30, 2025 5:45 am230d ago
The new kitchen opened earlier this month “in response to the overwhelming demand for custom catering in the Dubuque-Galena area,” said co-owner Jude Villafana.
Restaurants Apr. 28, 2025 7:15 am232d ago
Two and a half years after his opening at NewBo City Market, a humble brisket smoker turned restaurateur has taken a big step outside of the small business incubator into a freestanding space for CR Midnight Smoker BBQ.
People & Places Apr. 25, 2025 9:11 am235d ago
This spring, a few seed packets are sprouting resilience in the Morningside-Glendale neighborhood.
Restaurants Apr. 23, 2025 6:14 pm237d ago
The bakery will be open for carryout only through April, with plans for full tea service after its grand opening in May.
Restaurants Apr. 23, 2025 7:52 am237d ago
A European-style cafe is getting its start with pop-ups in southeast Cedar Rapids.
Restaurants Apr. 23, 2025 5:45 am237d ago
Texas Roadhouse opens this week at a new location just a stone’s throw away.
Restaurants Apr. 22, 2025 2:34 pm238d ago
Shortly after Bari Italian closed earlier this year, a new option for Italian has opened downtown, right across the river.The Fireside Tavern, opened in February, showcases an up-and-coming chef’s talents as new restaurateur Mandy Gaud rapidly expands her portfolio.
News Apr. 22, 2025 7:54 am238d ago
The public is encouraged to help thank veterans as they return home the night of April 29 to The Eastern Iowa Airport from the 54th Eastern Iowa Honor Flight to Washington, D.C.
People & Places Apr. 18, 2025 6:00 am242d ago
With the 1,200-attendee event nearly sold out again this year, Women Lead Change CEO and Cedar Rapids Mayor Tiffany O’Donnell says there’s a “new energy” around the need to support advancement of women leaders.
Restaurants Apr. 17, 2025 6:00 am243d ago
A growing, health-oriented café has opened its fourth location this month.
Restaurants Apr. 16, 2025 6:15 am244d ago
There, 15 food vendors will “circle the wagons” for the public to support Freedom Festival in a tasty way.
Restaurants Apr. 16, 2025 7:37 am244d ago
Cobble Hill owners Andy and Carrie Schumacher from Cedar Rapids and DeLuxe Bakery owner Jamie Powers from Iowa City will share insights into cooking, baking, sustainability and the vibrant food culture of Iowa
Restaurants Apr. 16, 2025 12:03 pm244d ago
Iowa’s only Pizza World franchise is bringing another first to the state: Voodoo Brewing Company. See inside the new world opened for your taste buds with a match made in heaven.

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