On June 8, 2024, the California food critique community experienced a tragic loss as renowned food critics Allan Borgen and Isabelle “Izzy” Busse passed away in a car accident in Laclede County, Missouri. The crash occurred around 6:45 p.m. on Interstate 44 when a semi-truck crossed the median and hit their 2023 Chrysler Pacifica. Borgen, 75, died at the scene, while Busse, 54, passed away later at a nearby hospital due to her injuries.
The duo was renowned for their love for food and dedication to promoting local restaurants through their radio show “Let’s Dine Out,” which aired on KCAA radio. The show mainly featured reviews of various food joints around the Inland Empire region of California.
KCAA’s general manager Mark Westwood expressed his deep grief over the incident on social media, stating, “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.”
Beyond “Let’s Dine Out,” Borgen was known for his work on “Table for Two” on KVCR-TV and for his restaurant reviews in local newspapers. His son, Michael Borgen, who often collaborated with him on various projects, shared his father’s dedication to improving people’s dining experiences with the Los Angeles Times. “He was passionate about restaurants, but his greatest concern was for people,” Michael said. “His love for food was immense. Besides having a heart of gold, he always wanted to make others feel good.”
Borgen’s colleagues and friends remembered him for his iconic Hawaiian shirts and his constructive approach to food criticism. Lillian Vasquez, a KVCR producer and host, highlighted Borgen’s impact on the community and his reputation as a friendly critic who always found positives in each review.
Borgen and Busse were well-loved for their support of local mom-and-pop eateries. Vasquez noted Borgen’s commitment to promoting these 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 condition of the semi-truck driver involved in the crash was not detailed in the Missouri Highway Patrol’s report. The investigation into the accident continues.
The passing of Allan Borgen and Izzy Busse is a significant loss to the food critique community. Their memory and contributions will continue to influence and inspire future critics and food enthusiasts.
