Popular Food Critics Die in Crash

Allan Borgen, 75, and Isabelle “Izzy” Busse, 54, renowned food critics from California, passed away following a vehicular accident in Laclede County, Missouri, on June 8, 2024. The crash occurred on Interstate 44 around 6:45 p.m. when a semi-truck crossed the median and collided with their 2023 Chrysler Pacifica. Borgen died at the scene, while Busse succumbed to her injuries at a nearby hospital.

Borgen and Busse were recognized for their show “Let’s Dine Out,” a broadcast on KCAA radio that highlighted and reviewed various restaurants, particularly in California’s Inland Empire region. They were praised for their dedication to local dining establishments and their love for food.

KCAA’s general manager, Mark Westwood, shared his grief on social media, saying, “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 work in the food industry wasn’t confined to “Let’s Dine Out.” He also hosted “Table for Two” on KVCR-TV and penned restaurant reviews for several local papers. Michael Borgen, who frequently collaborated with his father, spoke to the Los Angeles Times, describing Borgen’s commitment to enhancing the dining experience and his deep concern for people. “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, known for his customary Hawaiian shirts, was remembered by his peers and the community for his positive and friendly outlook on food criticism. KVCR’s producer and host, Lillian Vasquez, spoke of Borgen’s influence, stating, “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 commitment to spotlighting local, small-scale eateries gained them much admiration from restaurant owners. Vasquez reflected on Borgen’s enthusiasm for supporting 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 did not provide details about the semi-truck driver’s condition at the time of the accident, and the investigation is ongoing.

Recent Articles

Joe Biden’s Shocking Alleged Health Cover-Up

A forthcoming political exposé by two renowned journalists promises to reveal the behind-the-scenes circumstances surrounding President Joe Biden's decision to run for reelection, despite...

Trump’s Fiery Oval Office Clash Stuns the World

President Donald Trump has ordered a complete pause on all U.S. military aid to Ukraine, turning an already tense diplomatic situation into a potential...

Jeopardy! Host Opens Up About Future Plans

Ken Jennings, the legendary "Jeopardy!" champion and current host, has disclosed the reason he won't return as a contestant, despite repeated appeals from his...

Veteran TV Actress Dead at 91

Olive Sturgess, who appeared in about two dozen TV Westerns and played Vincent Price's daughter in the Roger Corman 1963 cult horror spoof "The...

Three Tourists Found Dead in Elite Beach Resort

Authorities in Belize have reported the tragic deaths of three young women from Revere, Massachusetts at the Royal Kahal Beach Resort in San Pedro....

More Articles Like This