On June 8, 2024, California-based food critics Allan Borgen, 75, and Isabelle “Izzy” Busse, 54, lost their lives in a fatal car accident in Laclede County, Missouri. They were driving in their 2023 Chrysler Pacifica on Interstate 44 when a semi-truck crossed the median and hit their vehicle around 6:45 p.m. Borgen was pronounced dead at the scene, while Busse succumbed to her injuries later at a nearby hospital.
Borgen and Busse, renowned for their radio show “Let’s Dine Out,” were celebrated for their fervor for food and commitment to spotlighting local restaurants. Their program aired on KCAA radio and highlighted diverse eateries, with a focus on the Inland Empire area of California.
Expressing his grief on social media, KCAA’s general manager Mark Westwood stated, “Everyone at KCAA is profoundly saddened by the tragic loss of our friends and colleagues. Saturday afternoons at 4 p.m. will never be the same without Let’s Dine Out. They will be greatly missed.”
Borgen’s influence in the food industry reached beyond “Let’s Dine Out.” He also hosted the “Table for Two” show on KVCR-TV and wrote restaurant reviews for local newspapers. In an interview with the Los Angeles Times, Borgen’s son, Michael, who also worked with his father, said, “He was passionate about restaurants, but his greatest concern was for people. His love for food was immense. Besides having a heart of gold, he always wanted to make others feel good.”
Borgen was widely remembered for his signature Hawaiian shirts and his positive, friendly approach to food criticism. Lillian Vasquez, a producer and host at KVCR, spoke of Borgen’s impact on the community, remarking, “He typically highlighted positive aspects in each review. While he would mention areas for improvement, he was generally a very positive reviewer, and owners recognized him as a friendly critic.”
The pair’s commitment to promoting local, smaller-scale eateries earned them the respect and gratitude of many restaurant owners. Vasquez reflected on Borgen’s drive to boost small businesses, saying, “Thinking about the owners, they had someone that was their friend, that was gonna help them along and say, ‘This is okay to eat here in the Inland Empire.’ “We have some fantastic hidden gems and wonderful, beautiful restaurants, and he always made an effort to highlight them.”
The Missouri Highway Patrol’s report on the accident did not include information on the semi-truck driver’s condition. The investigation into the incident is currently in progress.
The passing of Allan Borgen and Izzy Busse has left a significant gap in the food community, but their legacy and contributions will continue to motivate and shape the industry for years to come.
