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
Art Sep. 19, 2024 10:07 am522d ago
With portals to their past as younger artists and an entirely new portfolio of work created for the new exhibit, “Pentimento: Layers Revealed” offers a unique glimpse at each artist’s growth.
Restaurants Sep. 12, 2024 6:15 am529d ago
The overhauled menu under chef Bryce Vogel in the MedQuarter features gourmet salads, grilled cheese options like pear and Gouda or ham and pepperoncini, sandwiches with premium side options and build-your-own flatbreads.
Restaurants Sep. 12, 2024 5:45 am529d ago
Attendees can enjoy beer, learn about craft brews from representatives at each brand, listen to live music by Lyle Beaver and the Brass Notes, and play traditional German games like hammerschlagen and stein holding.
News Sep. 11, 2024 11:49 am530d ago
The Eastern Honor Flight will launch its 52nd flight on Tuesday. Here’s how you can show up to honor veterans in Cedar Rapids.
Restaurants Sep. 11, 2024 7:58 am530d ago
The annual fundraiser for NewBo City Market, typically held each spring, is returning for a second shot of fun on Tuesday, Sept. 24. Here’s what you need to know.
Restaurants Sep. 11, 2024 4:30 am530d ago
What started as a side gig for catering has become a full-blown, family-operated staple on Cascade’s main street. See what draws crowds from Cedar Rapids, Dubuque and Waterloo.
Restaurants Sep. 5, 2024 6:00 am536d ago
This year, 48 restaurants in the downtown and Northside neighborhoods of Iowa City showed up for Taste of Iowa City. But what should you show up for?
Restaurants Sep. 5, 2024 7:35 am536d ago
A new Raising Cane’s location, anticipated for several months, opened on Aug. 27 in downtown Iowa City.
Restaurants Sep. 5, 2024 7:36 am536d ago
Palisades Cafe, 117 First St. NW, announced its closure Aug. 26 on social media.
Restaurants Sep. 4, 2024 5:45 am537d ago
A Cedar Rapids diner has landed some recognition from a YouTube food show.
News Sep. 3, 2024 7:58 am538d ago
A new class of therapy dogs is launching across Iowa to help the people who help others. And at Independence Fire and Rescue Association, one poodle is among the first helping change the mindset around mental health needs for first responders.
Restaurants Sep. 5, 2024 7:37 am536d ago
Drawing investment and leadership solely from Cedar Rapids restaurant owners, the new venture hopes to take on the outsized power big players like DoorDash, Grubhub and Uber Eats wield over locally owned restaurants.
People & Places Sep. 5, 2024 4:06 pm536d ago
The recent Clear Creek Amana High School graduate, 18, made it look easy as she belted Whitney Houston’s “I Have Nothing” in front of the judges at the 64th Annual Bill Riley Talent Search Competition. But the path to finding her voice hasn’t always been a chain of successes over the last several years.
Things To Do Aug. 29, 2024 8:06 am543d ago
The annual celebration, first held to celebrate Hayden Fry’s legendary coaching career at the University of Iowa, packs a full day of events on Friday, Aug. 30 from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Restaurants Aug. 28, 2025 6:34 pm178d ago
After 20 years, the Salsa Guy opens a brick-and-mortar with old favorites, new signatures

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