Local Legend! Shreveport’s Niema DiGrazia Takes Down Bobby Flay in Epic Food Fight

Bobby Flay has been dethroned by Shreveport's own! On national TV Niema DiGrazia took down the world-renowned chef on the Food Network show Beat Bobby Flay.

Chef Niema DiGarzia has become a recognizable face in the rich world of Shreveport food, and an incredible part of the team at Abby Singer's Bistro. The episode of Beat Bobby Flay starring Chef DiGrazia aired on May 29th, 2025 and to celebrate the Robinson Film Center and Abby Singer's Bistro hosted a live showing.

Before she could face off with Bobby Flay in the kitchen, the episode featured Chef DiGarzia facing off with another chef, Solomon Johnson from California, in a competition themed around the flavors of African Diaspora, a.k.a. food of African cultures or cultures rooted in African cultures. In the first round, DiGarzia's Mango Ground Provision Salad impressed the judges enough that she survived the next round.

In the final round against the man himself, Bobby Flay had to face off with Chef DiGarzia by making the better maafe, a traditional peanut stew from West Africa. In the end, Chef DiGarzia's dish impressed the judges and earned her the win over Bobby Flay.

The absolute shock and awe on her face were palpable when the judges announced she had Beat, Bobby Flay. Niema DiGarzia's win on Beat Bobby Flay is a moment to celebrate here in our community, a figurehead of our community showcasing what kind of culture we share here in Shreveport. You can support and follow both Chef Niema DiGarzia and Abby Singer's Bistro as a part of our beloved food culture in town, and you can watch Episode 6 of Season 39 of Beat Bobby Flay on the Food Network.