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 Jul. 19, 2022 6:00 am1316d ago
The restaurant was opened in early March by two couples who hoped their concept — based on cuisine from their native La Piedad and Guerrero regions of Mexico — would stand out from the crowded scene of Mexican restaurants in Cedar Rapids.
Restaurants Jul. 19, 2022 6:00 am1316d ago
The restaurant at 2201 16th Ave. SW was Cedar Rapids’ only taste of cuisine from El Salvador, serving savory pupusas filled with beans, cheese and meats.
People & Places Jul. 16, 2022 11:47 am1319d ago
With a paint-by-numbers scheme, the new mural on the former Paul Engle Center repositions the neighborhoods values while garnering ownership and community buy-in.
Books Jul. 15, 2022 10:41 pm1319d ago
Former Gazette columnist Shirley Ruedy’s new book, “Finally a Manual on How to Handle Cancer,” addresses cancer on an emotional level.
People & Places Jul. 15, 2022 10:00 pm1319d ago
See why these artists and free spirits parade with costumes, puppets and giant heads through Iowa City every quarter.
Restaurants Jul. 13, 2022 6:15 am1322d ago
In a world full of bars for normies, The Roxxy stands out with its new Iowa City location, where you can let your freak flag fly.
Restaurants Jul. 12, 2022 6:15 am1323d ago
The new standalone concept is slated to open Sept. 1.
Restaurants Sep. 12, 2022 12:46 pm1261d ago
While there are no peppers, there are plenty of pickles at Peter Piper’s, a new shop that opened July 1 in NewBo City Market.
Community Jul. 11, 2022 9:06 am1324d ago
As Taste of Heritage Garden celebrates its 25th anniversary, the event will pay special tribute to the late Betty Kelly, who organized the efforts for the annual event at Plum Grove.
Food & Drink Jul. 8, 2022 6:00 am1327d ago
Three months after Belle’s Basix was sold, Basix has reopened with a new vision for Cedar Rapids’ only LGBTQ bar.
Things To Do Jul. 8, 2022 2:00 pm1327d ago
The International Jugglers’ Association is coming back for a second time to Cedar Rapids for its 75th annual festival, where performers have one goal in mind: spreading joy.
Restaurants Jul. 6, 2022 6:30 am1329d ago
Try a cuisine with Chicano influences new to the area.
Agriculture Jul. 5, 2022 1:27 pm1330d ago
A group of seven farm workers and their families at Wilson’s Orchard & Farm are among the first group approved for Uniting for Ukraine, giving them up two years of temporary protection in the United States.
People & Places Jul. 5, 2022 11:18 am1330d ago
The expansion of a Feed Iowa First program helps immigrants to Iowa find an accessible entry to becoming full time farmers.
Restaurants Jul. 5, 2022 6:15 am1330d ago
Sample local martinis for charity this August.

Daily Newsletters