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 Feb. 26, 2025 10:46 am293d ago
New, feline-occupied spaces are becoming the cat’s meow across the Corridor.
Restaurants Feb. 24, 2025 9:06 am295d 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 am296d 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 pm300d ago
After 6 years in business, Gianna’s Italian Beef has closed without warning.
Restaurants Feb. 19, 2025 8:34 am300d 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 am302d 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 am304d 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.
Restaurants Feb. 12, 2025 1:49 pm307d ago
The Uptown Marion restaurant and bar did make any announcements before its sudden closure.
People & Places Feb. 10, 2025 9:58 am309d ago
Cedar Rapids resident Katie Hopkins survived a heart attack at half the average age for a woman’s first heart attack. Now, she is raising funds and awareness to save lives.
Restaurants Feb. 6, 2025 6:30 am313d ago
BarTini’s, a new concept serving a menu of over 100 martinis, opened at 151 First Ave. SW, Unit 104, on Feb. 1.
Restaurants Feb. 5, 2025 8:28 am314d ago
A new, tavern-style Italian restaurant opens in downtown Cedar Rapids this week with fresh pasta, steaks and a few unique menu items.
Restaurants Feb. 5, 2025 5:30 am314d ago
In an industry not culturally known for its accessibility, Lubben Vineyards & Wines leaves pretension at the door. And, by some measures, consumers are taking notice.
Restaurants Feb. 5, 2025 5:30 am314d ago
The space, home to Craft’d for several years, will transform into Craft’d After Dark starting at 5 p.m. on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.
Restaurants Feb. 5, 2025 5:30 am314d ago
Chick N Max, a Kansas-based fast-casual chain that calls itself “Home of the Chicken Sandwich,” has plans for several Iowa markets in a new wave of Midwestern expansion.
Restaurants Jan. 31, 2025 9:28 am319d ago
At 19 restaurants, this year’s list is one longer than last year’s. The annual event, running this year from Friday, Feb. 21 through Sunday, March 2, includes two full weekends to enjoy limited-time specialty dishes offered at each restaurant.

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