Allan Borgen, a longtime Inland Empire restaurant critic who for decades hosted public radio and television programs highlighting local restaurants, died Saturday in a car accident in Missouri.
He was traveling with his “Let's Dine Out” co-host and partner, Isabelle “Izzy” Busse, who also died from injuries she suffered in the crash, according to local officials.
“All of us at KCAA are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of our friends and fellow broadcasters,” KCAA General Manager Mark Westwood and CEO Fred Lundgren wrote in a statement shared on Facebook. “Saturdays at 4 pm will never be the same without 'Let's Dine Out.' We will miss them very much.”
Borgen and Busse co-hosted the weekly show “Let's Dine Out with Allan Borgen” on KCAA, an AM and FM station based in Loma Linda. The couple had also been hosting monthly “Grub Club” dinners to connect with other food lovers at local restaurants; the one scheduled for later this month was already sold out, said Borgen's son, Michael Borgen.
“He cared about restaurants, but he cared about people more than anything,” said Michael Borgen, who worked for years on the sets of his father's shows and, more recently, ran an online food review platform with his father. known as FeedMe411.
“His passion was food,” his son said. “In addition to having a heart of gold, he wanted to make people feel good.”
The elder Borgen had been a social worker before transitioning into the food world, becoming a restaurant expert even before the Food Network took off, Michael Borgen said.
“You can't have a community without good food,” Michael Borgen remembers his father saying.
Borgen, who was a fan of Hawaiian shirts, was also a longtime food critic for KVCR-TV, the Inland Empire's PBS station, hosting restaurant review shows there for 32 years, including “Table for Two” and more. “Let's Dine Out” later, according to a statement shared on social media by KVCR.
“Allan's easy smile and friendly demeanor will be fondly remembered by KVCR staff, viewers and foodies throughout the Inland Empire and Southern California,” KVCR said in the memorial post.
His license plate was “Mr. Food” and his favorite cuisine was “anything edible,” according to his son. The elder Borgen also wrote restaurant reviews for the San Bernardino Sun, the Inland Valley Daily Bulletin and the Redlands Daily Facts, according to the Sun, and served annually as a judge for the International Pizza Expo in Las Vegas.
Michael Borgen said his father was not in his line of work to leave harsh criticism but to helping restaurants improve their food and, in turn, stay in business.
“He wanted to make things better for everyone, especially the restaurant owner,” Michael Borgen said. He said that in recent days he heard from several restaurateurs and chefs, many of whom told touching stories about his father.
“He cared about them more than he cared about himself,” Michael Borgen said through tears. “There will definitely not be another Allan Borgen; “He is one of a kind.”
Borgen, 75, was driving on Interstate 44 in Laclede County, Missouri, on Saturday when a large truck going in the opposite direction crossed the median and struck Borgen's vehicle, killing him, according to the Patrol accident report. of Missouri State Highways. Busse, 54, was taken to a hospital, where she later died.
Neither Borgen nor Busse, who lived in Redlands, shied away from adventure and the opportunity to try new foods, Michael Borgen said.
Busse and Borgen had been together the last few years and Busse had become part of their extended family, Michael Borgen said.
“When she showed up, it was wonderful,” the younger Borgen said, calling her a perfect match for his father. They both looked out for each other, but were still independent and obviously liked good food.
“He was a sweetheart,” Michael Borgen said. “They traveled, they ate and they loved.”
