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.
Sign up for the weekly Chew on This newsletter here to keep up with all the latest food and local restaurant news.
Latest Articles by Elijah Decious
Restaurants Jun. 20, 2024 6:15 am464d ago
Twenty years ago, the owner of Cafe Dodici helped spark a movement to invest in downtown Washington. Now, her daughter and son-in-law are following in her footsteps with a new concept.
Restaurants Jun. 20, 2024 5:30 am464d ago
The new restaurant will offer a throwback to a former favorite on the southeast side: Cork and Fork.
Restaurants Jun. 19, 2024 5:30 am465d ago
A restaurant and doughnut shop duo in Oak Hill Jackson have closed and transferred to an old name resurfacing in Cedar Rapids.
People & Places Jun. 17, 2024 7:22 am467d ago
Marion couple Lucas Howes and Lexi Thumann have completed a 6,000 square foot renovation, turning what was a crumbling 1866 structure into a place where tenants can have their own slice of a restored mansion.
History Jun. 14, 2024 10:49 am470d ago
For over 20 years, Buxton thrived as Iowa’s only majority Black city in history. Here’s what historians and authors of books say about it, and what Iowans can learn today from the former Monroe County town.
Restaurants Jun. 13, 2024 6:15 am471d ago
The Summer Culinary Camps series offers three unique themes, hands-on activities, and fun learning experiences for children ages 7 to 12.
Restaurants Jun. 13, 2024 4:25 pm471d ago
Mike’s opened on June 7 to serve a variety of ice cream offerings plus grill food like cheeseburgers, Philly cheesesteak sandwiches and chicken strips.
Restaurants Jun. 13, 2024 7:24 am471d ago
Los Ortega’s, the only pupuseria in Cedar Rapids, is giving one mom a dream that took most of her life to realize.
Restaurants Jun. 12, 2024 6:15 am472d ago
A new spot specializing in a variety of cuisines is coming soon to a former Subway location in the Wellington Heights neighborhood.
Restaurants Jun. 17, 2024 4:43 pm467d ago
The restaurant’s two other locations at 5411 Center Point Rd. NE and in Cedar Falls will remain open.
Restaurants Jun. 7, 2024 1:50 pm477d ago
Want a vacation to the Far East but don’t have the Yen? Here’s where you can enjoy Japanese cuisine in the Corridor.
Restaurants Jun. 5, 2024 6:15 am479d ago
Now diners can eat all the sushi and hibachi they want in two Corridor locations.
Restaurants Jun. 5, 2024 5:45 am479d ago
The annual market, home this year to more than 40 vendors with fresh produce, wine, honey, baked goods and artisanal items, will be available from 8 a.m. to noon.
News May. 20, 2024 1:47 pm495d ago
With Vietnam War veterans now dominating flights, the board and volunteers are shifting their mentality to better serve a generation whose experiences were a sharp departure from veterans in previous wars.
Books May. 13, 2024 7:51 am502d ago
“Barons: Money, Power, and the Corruption of America’s Food Industry,” the first book minted by Cedar Rapids author Austin Frerick, explores the intersections of American agriculture that have been ruled by an increasingly small number of powerful people.