Rows of beautiful dishes from Niema's Cookery Corner in Shreveport-Bossier, Louisiana feature perfectly cooked, brightly colored food. This restaurant features Southern food with a West African flair.

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Shreveport-Bossier Chef Beats Bobby Flay in Cooking Competition

By: TLP's Partners

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Chef Niema DiGrazia, Sierra Leonian chef in Shreveport-Bossier, Louisiana, stands confidently in a white uniform with gold details, gold jewelry, and warm makeup.

Back in May, Shreveport-Bossier’s own Chef Niema DiGrazia caught the world’s attention when she took home a win on the Food Network’s hit show, Beat Bobby Flay, with her take on Maafe—a peanut-butter based stew that originates in her home country of Sierra Leone.

Because of Chef Niema’s achievement and her impact on Louisiana ‘s culinary scene, she has been chosen to represent Shreveport-Bossier in New York City this October at the Louisiana Travel Association’s annual event, “Taste Louisiana.” Held in a different city each year, this event gives media personnel the opportunity to try out the best of Louisiana’s cuisine, with a goal of increasing tourism to the state.

A vibrant plate of plantains, vegetables, meat, and grains with a pink flower garnish stuns at Niema's Cookery Corner in Shreveport-Bossier, Louisiana.

While DiGrazia is starting to make waves around the world, the Shreveport-Bossier community is no stranger to her talent. DiGrazia has owned her own food truck, Niema’s Cookery Corner, since 2020 and is also the head chef at Abby Singer’s Bistro in Downtown Shreveport. Locals and tourists alike love DiGrazia’s unique spin on southern cuisine, which blends Louisiana soul-food with West-African and Caribbean flair. Dishes range from comforting Chicken and Beignets, (her take on Chicken and Waffles) to Jerk Chicken Mac and Cheese and Jollof Arancini, which features risotto balls with mushrooms, parmesan and pureed mushroom.

Located on the top floor of the Robinson Film Center, Abby Singer’s prides itself on featuring an intimate dine-in atmosphere along with Shreveport’s only public dining balcony. Food and drinks purchased at the restaurant can also be enjoyed inside the Robinson Film Center while watching a movie.

DiGrazia is one of many talented chefs feeding the Shreveport-Bossier community. With enough flavor, style and soul for two cities, there are countless mouthwatering dining options in the area. Go to visitshreveportbossier.org to plan your culinary tour today.