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 Mar. 15, 2022 6:00 am1293d ago
Mamacita Taco Pub is owned by local restaurateurs Haile Duncan and Ozzie Aguirre, who own Mas Margaritas and the recently opened La Casita, right next door to Mamacita.
Restaurants Mar. 15, 2022 8:20 am1293d ago
Cedar Rapids now has its first crepe shop. Tasty Crepe is open in the cloud kitchen near Lindale Mall.
Restaurants Jul. 14, 2022 1:50 pm1171d ago
New data from the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance shows that Cedar Rapids is starting to shed its reputation as a “chain restaurant city” as it becomes a state leader in independent restaurant trends.
People & Places Mar. 11, 2022 6:00 am1297d ago
Harold Alcott joins at least 55 other centenarians in Iowa. He celebrated his 100th birthday on March 5. He’s one of 509 living World War II veterans left in the Eastern Iowa area.
Food & Drink Mar. 14, 2022 5:24 pm1293d ago
See the seven foods, desserts and drinks that impressed us the most at Iowa City’s in-person return of Top Chef Iowa City.
Restaurants Mar. 8, 2022 6:00 am1300d ago
The Eat Shop in Solon had a line going down the block Saturday as customers eagerly supported the fundraiser for Ukrainians fleeing or staying to fight the Russian invasion.
Restaurants Mar. 8, 2022 6:00 am1300d ago
The new restaurant in northeast Cedar Rapids will offer a different take on Mexican food, with specialties from the owners’ native La Piedad and Guerrero regions of Mexico.
People & Places Mar. 5, 2022 6:00 am1303d ago
The Breckenridges race against the clock to adopt a fourth Ukrainian son before he turns 16, when he is eligible for military service and ages out of the orphanage.
Pets & Animals Mar. 4, 2022 7:40 am1304d ago
For four years, Frank the cat has been the best sales clerk at Next Page Books bookstore in Cedar Rapids’ NewBo neighborhood. “He’s become the face of the bookstore,” store owner Bart Carithers says.
Restaurants Mar. 2, 2022 6:00 am1306d ago
This pizzeria serves the world’s first pale lager brewed in the Czech Republic since 1839.
Restaurants Mar. 1, 2022 6:00 am1307d ago
Aaron Hall, baker at The Local Crumb, was named a semifinalist for the James Beard Award for Outstanding Baker. He is one of only two Iowa semifinalists for the prestigious award in any category.
Restaurants Mar. 1, 2022 6:00 am1307d ago
Donutland will be expanding in Iowa City, filling in for Daylight Donuts after it closed on Sunday.
Restaurants Mar. 1, 2022 6:00 am1307d ago
Mama Pearls, a new soul food restaurant offering fried catfish, gumbo, gizzards and smothered pork chops, opened Feb. 18 at 4444 First Ave. NE in Cedar Rapids near Lindale Mall.
Community Mar. 1, 2022 6:00 am1307d ago
Starting from a space of 700 square feet, Table to Table celebrates 25 years of pioneering food rescue in Eastern Iowa.
Restaurants Mar. 4, 2022 1:24 pm1304d ago
For many Black restaurant owners, Black history isn’t just something celebrated during the shortest month of the year — it’s a lived experience practiced by hand every single day.