Allan Borgen and Isabelle “Izzy” Busse, popular California food critics, died in a car crash on June 8, 2024, in Laclede County, Missouri. The deadly collision took place at approximately 6:45 p.m. on Interstate 44 when a semi-truck veered across the median and collided with their 2023 Chrysler Pacifica. Borgen, 75, died at the scene, and Busse, 54, was transported to a nearby hospital, where she later died from her injuries.
Known for their show “Let’s Dine Out,” Borgen and Busse were well-regarded for their passion for food and dedication to promoting local restaurants. Their show, broadcast on KCAA radio, featured reviews and highlights of various eateries, particularly in the Inland Empire region of California.
Mark Westwood, general manager of KCAA, expressed his sorrow in a social media post: “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 contributions to the food industry extended beyond “Let’s Dine Out.” He hosted the show “Table for Two” on KVCR-TV and wrote restaurant reviews for several local newspapers. His son, Michael Borgen, who worked closely with his father on various projects, shared heartfelt memories with the Los Angeles Times, emphasizing Borgen’s deep care for people and his commitment to improving the dining experience for restaurateurs and patrons alike. “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.”
Colleagues and community members remembered Borgen for his signature Hawaiian shirts and his friendly, positive approach to food criticism. Lillian Vasquez, a producer and host at KVCR, spoke fondly of Borgen’s impact on the community, saying, “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.”
Borgen and Busse’s dedication to showcasing local mom-and-pop eateries earned them a special place in the hearts of many restaurant owners. Vasquez recalled Borgen’s passion for promoting small businesses, noting, “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 crash did not provide details on the condition of the semi-truck driver involved in the accident. The investigation into the incident is ongoing.
The deaths of Allan Borgen and Izzy Busse have left a void in the food community, but their memory and contributions will continue to inspire and influence for years.
