SHREVEPORT, La. – Chef Niema DiGrazia, Executive Chef at Abby Singer’s Bistro, has claimed a major culinary victory by defeating celebrity chef Bobby Flay on the Food Network’s popular competition series Beat Bobby Flay. Her winning episode, titled “Fight Like a Lion,” aired on May 29, 2025.
Showcasing her Sierra Leonean heritage and the bold culinary energy of Shreveport, Chef Niema impressed the judges with her creativity and soul-infused cooking. In the final round, she beat Flay with a traditional peanut butter stew, known as Maafe in her Fulani tribe, a dish that stood out for both its flavor and authenticity.
“This moment means the world to me,” said Chef Niema. “To stand on a national stage and bring my culture, my roots, and my adopted hometown of Shreveport into the spotlight is something I’ll always be proud of. This isn’t just a win for me. It’s a win for every young Black woman, every immigrant, and every Southern chef who’s ever dared to take up space in this industry.”
Since joining Abby Singer’s Bistro in 2024 with her husband, Chef de Cuisine Matthew DiGrazia, Chef Niema has transformed the menu with a unique blend of West African, Caribbean, and Southern influences. Her work has earned praise for its innovation and its deep ties to community and culture.
“Chef Niema’s win is not just a personal achievement. It’s a point of pride for the entire Shreveport-Bossier region,” said Wendell Riley, Executive Director of Robinson Film Center. “She embodies everything Abby Singer’s Bistro stands for: delicious and creative food, cultural richness, and heart.”
Abby Singer’s Bistro is located on the second floor of the Robinson Film Center in downtown Shreveport. Known for its seasonally inspired menu and the city’s only public dining balcony, the restaurant complements RFC’s mission to educate, enrich, and entertain through both film and food.
Guests are invited to experience Chef Niema’s award-winning flavors firsthand. Reservations and full menu details are available at robinsonfilmcenter.org/abby-singers-bistro.
About Robinson Film Center:
Robinson Film Center is a nonprofit arts organization dedicated to bringing film education, independent cinema, and culinary culture to Northwest Louisiana. Abby Singer’s Bistro, named for the famous “Abby Singer shot” on a film set, is its signature dining destination.