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. 12, 2025 8:25 am348d ago
With new seating, a microgreen garden and a rapidly growing menu, their growth outside the small business incubator demonstrates how much the small restaurant has appealed to mainstream diners.
Restaurants Mar. 11, 2025 3:04 pm348d ago
A new buffet has opened in southwest Cedar Rapids, after much anticipation.
Curious Iowa Mar. 10, 2025 7:25 am350d ago
Curious Iowa finally examines the evergreen inquiry that has persisted for years. Why does Cedar Rapids have so many Mexican restaurants? Are they all the same?
K-12 Education Mar. 10, 2025 7:49 am350d ago
With the opportunity for a tuition-free experience similar to a private school, the school’s rigorous focus on college preparation plans to offer quality through small classes, a small faculty-to-student ratio and one-on-one interactions that reinforce a tight-knit community throughout middle and high school.
Restaurants Mar. 6, 2025 5:00 am354d 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 am354d 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 am355d 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 am355d 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 pm355d ago
Go ahead and pull around to the next location. 🍟
Restaurants Mar. 4, 2025 7:35 am356d 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 am357d 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 am362d 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 am362d ago
New, feline-occupied spaces are becoming the cat’s meow across the Corridor.
Restaurants Feb. 24, 2025 9:06 am364d 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 am365d 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.

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