SHREVEPORT-BOSSIER, La. — Chef Niema DiGrazia will represent Shreveport-Bossier at Taste Louisiana in Chicago on Nov. 4, joining a statewide tourism effort to promote Louisiana’s culinary destinations to national media and potential visitors.
DiGrazia will join 15 other chefs at the event in partnership with Visit Shreveport-Bossier, the Louisiana Travel Association and the Louisiana Office of Tourism. Organizers expect more than 200 media representatives to attend. General admission tickets also are available.
Her participation is part of Diverse & Delish, Visit Shreveport-Bossier’s ongoing campaign to introduce new audiences to the region’s restaurants and culinary cultures. DiGrazia previously represented the destination at Taste Louisiana in New York City.
The Chicago appearance comes as Visit Shreveport-Bossier reports growth in visitor spending at local restaurants. According to the organization, that spending increased 23% year over year in 2025, exceeding its goal of a 5% increase.
“Chef Niema is an incredible ambassador for the people and flavors that make our destination special,” said Stacy Brown, president and CEO of Visit Shreveport-Bossier. “By sharing stories like hers beyond our region, we can bring greater attention to our locally owned restaurants, inspire new reasons to visit and ensure that tourism continues supporting the businesses at the heart of our community.”
Born in Sierra Leone, DiGrazia combines West African, Caribbean and New American influences in her signature Afro Fusion style. She will prepare a featured dish reflecting that approach at the Chicago event.
DiGrazia was named one of Louisiana Cookin’s Chefs to Watch in 2022. Her television appearances include a 2026 win on Food Network’s “Beat Bobby Flay” and a competition appearance on “Chef Grudge Match.”
“Last year, we showed New York City what Shreveport-Bossier’s culinary scene is made of,” DiGrazia said. “When you come to Shreveport, you come hungry, and leave inspired. Not only by the food but by the cultures, stories and people behind it.”
Through Diverse & Delish, Visit Shreveport-Bossier is highlighting a regional food scene that includes West African, Vietnamese, Hispanic, Caribbean and Italian influences alongside Southern soul food, Creole cooking and Texas-style barbecue.
The campaign uses those culinary traditions and the stories of local chefs to encourage travel to Northwest Louisiana and support locally owned restaurants.