Chef Janelle Romeo, known for her East Austin food truck, Shirley’s Trini Cuisine, has opened Twin Isle, a fast-casual restaurant inspired by her native islands, Trinidad and Tobago, and the surrounding Caribbean.
Twin Isle covers about 800 square feet and has eight seats inside and more on an outdoor patio. The restaurant opened earlier this month.
“Opening Twin Isle is a deeply personal dream come true,” Romeo said in a statement. “This restaurant is a love letter to my Caribbean roots. Each dish tells a story of where I come from, who raised me, and what I want to share with Austin. I want every guest to feel like they’ve been welcomed into my home-with bold flavors, warm hospitality, and a little island soul in every bite.”
Twin Isle encourages diners to build their own bowls or enjoy dishes family-style.
Starters include the Aloo Pie, a fried pastry stuffed with a spiced potato mixture and topped with tamarind sauce, and Oxtail Fries, with shredded stewed oxtail, cheddar cheese, green onions, and garlic sauce. The Rip + Dip Roti features flaky paratha roti served with warm yellow dhal.
The menu also includes roti wraps, filled with such proteins as curry chicken, curry goat, coconut curry lobster, or seasonal vegetables.
For sandwich fans, highlights include the Oxtail Sandwich, made with slow-braised oxtail, Swiss cheese, caramelized onions, and garlic sauce on a toasted bolillo roll. The menu also includes Bake + Shark, fried fish tucked into a bread pocket, topped with vegetables and a choice of sauces.
In addition to the core menu, Twin Isle offers a rotating selection of seasonal specials such as curry crab and dumplings, salt fish, Trini-style Chinese dishes, and Trini barbecue.
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