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. 16, 2023 4:00 pm39d ago
In a Sunday social media post, owners Jessica and Tony LaFayette said they will close in 60 days — by April 13.
Restaurants Feb. 15, 2023 10:02 am40d ago
RoyceAnn Porter’s new Iowa City restaurant will open at the South District Market in March.
Community Feb. 14, 2023 4:38 pm41d ago
The Cedar Rapids nonprofit was chosen as one of 5 organizations across the country to receive a total of $150,000.
Restaurants Feb. 13, 2023 5:00 am45d ago
From gyros and Japanese pancakes to dessert crepes and three-course meals, we tried the specials that caught our attention on this year’s menu for Cedar Rapids Restaurant Week.
People & Places Feb. 12, 2023 6:15 am53d ago
See what’s hopping in downtown Iowa City with several new public art installations, including one from Australia.
News Feb. 12, 2023 6:00 am44d ago
After a rare heart disease diagnosis, Iowa City coach Danny Arroyo has had to pivot between doing what he lives for and staying alive.
Health Care and Medicine Feb. 12, 2023 5:00 am46d ago
After dire predictions about a “tripledemic” of RSV, COVID-19, influenza and other respiratory viruses, hospitals in Cedar Rapids and elsewhere are faring better than predicted.
Theater Feb. 11, 2023 12:01 pm44d ago
As Orchestra Iowa celebrates 100 years of excellence, a new documentary film takes a look back at its perseverance through floods, a derecho, and pandemic as the legacy institution positions itself for the next century.
Restaurants Feb. 9, 2023 6:00 am47d ago
See the full menus for all 21 restaurants here.
Restaurants Feb. 8, 2023 5:45 am48d ago
With a cozy renovated interior featuring a new patio, fireplace, ambient lighting and games, the restaurant will feature a menu of burgers, chicken wraps, salads and pastas, plus breakfast on weekends. Diners can wash it all down with a full cocktail menu, 10 beers on tap or 25-ounce Bloody Marys, on weekends.
Restaurants Feb. 7, 2023 9:22 am48d ago
See what new dough you can try on National Pizza Day.
News Feb. 7, 2023 5:35 pm48d ago
Following a record unsheltered summer count in 2022, the trend continues upward for winter, too.
Restaurants Feb. 2, 2023 6:00 am55d ago
Textile TapHaus’ new satellite taproom brings its industrial vibes to Atkins’ main street in Benton County with its fourth location.
Restaurants Feb. 1, 2023 6:00 am56d ago
Rodina executive chef and owner Samuel Charles was the only Iowa chef named to the short list for this year’s Best Chef award in the Midwest category.
Restaurants Feb. 1, 2023 5:45 am56d ago
The historic Maytk building, built in 1893 at 1029 Third St. SE in the heart of the NewBo District, was renovated by owners Mike and Lynette Richards, who bought the building in 1999.