My friend opted for rice and peas with jerk chicken, macaroni pie and fried plantains with tamarind sauce at Twin Isle Restaurant in Austin, Texas. He said it was a good balance of sweet and savory.
Photo by Janecze Wright, Fort Hood Public Affairs
AUSTIN, Texas — Nestled in between a short row of restaurants in the middle of bustling downtown Austin, lies Twin Isle Restaurant — serving up authentic Caribbean Cuisine from the scratch-made recipes owner Chef Janelle Romeo grew up savoring, calling the restaurant “a love letter to my Caribbean roots.”
A friend suggested the popular eatery, and I was eager to try some of the bold, spicy and vibrant flavors of the islands.
Far right, owner Chef Janelle Romeo ensures dishes are hot and fresh for each customer at Twin Isle Restaurant in Austin, Texas. Romeo makes the recipes from scratch, drawing on her Caribbean heritage.
Photo by Janecze Wright, Fort Hood Public Affairs
The space was small, with one side providing limited seating consisting of a few stools lined up facing the window, and the counter with a plexiglass shield that allows guests to see the piping hot dishes as they are served up on the other side.
The menu featured a variety of Caribbean staples visitors can enjoy as starters, handhelds, a la carte dishes and sides.
I decided to build my own bowl with rice and peas, curry chicken and potatoes with garlic sauce from Twin Isle Restaurant in Austin, Texas. The dish had just the right amount of spice and flavor.
Photo by Janecze Wright, Fort Hood Public Affairs
Patrons also have the option to build their own bowls with a base of rice and peas, steamed rice or macaroni pie; a choice of curry chicken, jerk chicken, curry goat, oxtail or fish as a protein; with a side of fried plantains, curry potatoes, curry chickpeas or sauteed spinach and finish with sauces such as garlic, tamarind or jerk.
There is also the option to build your own sandwich with your choice of protein and coco bread.
Patrons occupy the limited seating options inside Twin Isle Restaurant in Austin, Texas. The space also offers outdoor seating.
Photo by Janecze Wright, Fort Hood Public Affairs
Alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages are available to wash it all down.
I chose to build my own bowl with curry chicken, rice and peas and curry potatoes with garlic sauce. My friend opted for rice and peas, jerk chicken, macaroni pie and fried plantains covered in tamarind sauce.
Twin Isle Restaurant in Austin, Texas, offers an authentic taste of the Caribbean without having to book a flight.
Photo by Janecze Wright, Fort Hood Public Affairs
There was no place to sit inside, but thankfully there was a small seating area outside where we relaxed and enjoyed our meals. As we ate, a steady stream of customers began to come and go, indicating we came at the right time, and we were most likely in for something tasty.
Both bowls were delicious in their own way. My friend said the tamarind sauce was sweet, and he enjoyed the kick of the jerk spice. I enjoyed the savoriness of the garlic sauce and the zest of the curry, and I was more than happy to take home the leftovers from the generous portions.
Next time I will try the loaded oxtail fries, and the aloo pie sounds interesting as well.
If you’re looking for a taste of the Caribbean without having to book a flight, check out Twin Isle Restaurant, located at 1401 Rosewood Ave. A-1.
You can also order online at twinislerestaurant.square.site/?location_id=LYSVWD0BHH5C2&fulfillment=PICKUP or call 512-647-0689.