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 Aug. 2, 2023 5:45 am936d ago
The new cheeseburger sliders and cocktail bar comes from Ryne “Ryno” Bly, the former chef and managing partner at Crosby’s in NewBo who started with the Nanke group three years ago at Midtown Station.
Restaurants Aug. 1, 2023 6:15 am937d ago
Abelardo’s Mexican Fresh continues to expand east in Iowa with one of its first locations outside the Des Moines metro.
Books Aug. 1, 2023 8:21 am937d ago
Dr. Vincent Reid credits much of who he is today to a small lab in New York City, where he and other minorities were able to thrive through a rare oasis in a scientific world largely not built for them.
Restaurants Aug. 1, 2023 5:45 am937d ago
The new coffee menu teased online reveals a full choice of espresso-based drinks, drip coffee, frozen coffee beverages and signature options.
People & Places Jul. 31, 2023 8:01 am938d ago
As she continues to spread her childhood literacy platform to thousands of Iowans, Grace Lynn Keller hopes to scale it to the national level as she competes for the Miss USA 2023 crown.
Food & Drink Jul. 26, 2023 7:07 am943d ago
With 16 new food vendors and 64 new foods to try, see what the judges have narrowed down to the top 3.
Restaurants Jul. 26, 2023 6:15 am943d ago
Admission includes a cocktail hour with appetizers and drinks from local restaurants and breweries; a silent auction with exclusive offers from shops and services in the municipal districts; and a plated dinner from one of four local caterers set to DJ music on the river.
News Jul. 26, 2023 7:40 am943d ago
In life, Hector Perez was the man who was there for everyone, no matter the personal challenges he contended with day to day. After his death in December 2021, Willis Dady is ensuring that he will still be there for everyone who comes after him — in name and spirit.
Restaurants Jul. 25, 2023 6:15 am944d ago
The restaurant, run by two Italian brothers, is opening a second location at Westdale Town Center.
Community Jul. 25, 2023 8:11 am944d ago
See what’s new this year at one of downtown Cedar Rapids’ largest annual outdoor events.
Restaurants Jul. 25, 2023 5:45 am944d ago
“For the second time this year, Iowa breweries have been recognized as some of the best and brightest,” said Iowa Brewers Guild executive director Noreen Otto. “When Iowans drink local, they’re drinking some of the best craft beer in the world.”
People & Places Jul. 22, 2023 6:00 am947d ago
Practiced for thousands of years, an ancient form of therapy is finding new audiences as Eastern Iowans look for new ways to escape everyday stress.
Restaurants Jul. 20, 2023 6:15 am949d ago
After a rough start to 2023, the iconic Hamburg Inn has closed again in Iowa City.
Restaurants Jul. 20, 2023 5:45 am949d ago
Harry’s Bar & Grill, with fresh signage and an awning on its storefront at 116 E. Washington St., hopes to offer a full menu soon in the spot between Mesa Pizza and Bo-James.
Restaurants Jul. 19, 2023 9:40 am950d ago
Owners Kathy and Peter Kessler reopened the restaurant in January 2022 after a short closure, bringing on new Executive Chef Chris Grebner. The concept changed from a breakfast and brunch spot to a seasonal farm-to-table concept with a menu that changed weekly.

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