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
People & Places Jul. 13, 2024 5:00 am522d ago
After reading the harrowing story of a Cedar Rapids veteran who survived a crash in Nazi-occupied France, one Czech historian was drawn to Iowa to document the stories of World War II veterans for the future.
Restaurants Jul. 11, 2024 10:54 am523d ago
In the six years since she moved to the United States, Anh Le has gone from someone with no sense of direction in the kitchen to a busy bakery owner with a unique niche in NewBo City Market.
Restaurants Jul. 11, 2024 6:15 am523d ago
The Mexican restaurant focuses on a variety of hot and cold seafood dishes.
Restaurants Jul. 12, 2024 10:52 am522d ago
A new restaurant in downtown Cedar Rapids is serving Italian cuisine with Cajun and Creole twists.
Restaurants Jul. 10, 2024 6:15 am524d ago
The bar, set to open soon in Kingston Yard, comes from someone who helped open The Stuffed Olive in Iowa City, Cedar Falls and Des Moines.
Restaurants Jul. 10, 2024 5:45 am524d ago
A Hiawatha Indian restaurant has expanded with a second location in North Liberty.
People & Places Jul. 8, 2024 8:02 am526d ago
From casual to cut-throat, here’s what handlers do to win the international competition held in Cedar Rapids each year.
Health Care and Medicine Jul. 10, 2024 11:24 am524d ago
The new machines stocked with free naloxone, the drug that can reverse an opioid overdose, have been placed at seven locations around Linn County. With an emphasis on harm reduction, specialists say they are a marker of a new mindeset for treatment programs, recovery programs and public health spaces.
News Jul. 5, 2024 1:11 pm529d ago
With months of planning and many hours of set-up, here’s a look behind the scenes that ensure Freedom Festival goes out with a bang.
Restaurants Jul. 4, 2024 6:15 am530d ago
After a three-year hiatus from its last appearance downtown, Jess Streit is serving his Cubans again with a plan to expand his model across the state.
Restaurants Jul. 4, 2024 5:45 am530d ago
Salsa Guy Cafe, a spinoff of the business known as “The Salsa Guy” with products sold at local farmers markets and Hy-Vees, will be opening this month at 2874 Mount Vernon Rd. SE.
Restaurants Jul. 3, 2024 6:15 am531d ago
Signs for two restaurants — both new to Iowa — have popped recently: Golden Apple Buffet and Cheesy Noodle Macs & Snacks
Restaurants Jul. 3, 2024 5:45 am531d ago
Lincoln Winebar, known locally for its wood-fired artisan pizza, was named to the list of just 22 establishments across the country.
Restaurants Jul. 2, 2024 12:51 pm532d ago
If you want a bit from the self-proclaimed Birria King, act now.
Business News Jul. 3, 2024 9:37 am531d ago
Growing from two locations to seven in just six years, the Fun Not Fancy group has made serious business out of lighthearted restaurant concepts.

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