Restaurant review: Truly Free

When fitness competitor and Baton Rouge native Ainsley Coughlin began having unexplained tension headaches a few years ago, she discovered she had severe food allergies. That meant no more gluten, a common protein found in foods processed from wheat, barley and rye. Her entrepreneur husband Erick, himself lactose intolerant, set out to find healthy, great-tasting foods they could enjoy together, but he turned up few options. An avid chef at home, Erick began experimenting with his own recipes, and in 2008 he began shipping orders of baked goods all over the country. Soon after, the couple opened Truly Free Bakery & Deli in the Southdowns Village Shopping Center. Specializing in quick breakfasts, lunches and sweets, Truly Free offers a vast menu free of casein, dairy, egg and gluten. Dishes include breakfast tacos, waffles, pizzas, paninis, salads, cakes, cookies, smoothies and a kids’ menu. Click here to see what our secret diners thought of Truly Free.