Rose is allergic to gluten. So is her mom. So are her kids. And so is one in every 133 people in America. For those battling gluten allergies or those just looking to eat freshly prepared, healthy food, Rose's Wheatfree Bakery and Cafe offers a comforting escape.

The wheat-free, corn syrup-free, peanut-free, trans fat-free bakery greets you with fiery-colored cursive scrolled along the chalkboard menu of coffee-bar offerings. Just inches away glows the pastry case filled with cookies, muffins, biscotti and scones among other baked goods, which are all prepared in house. Specialties range from quiche to chocolate-covered habanero peppers to goblets full of chocolate mousse, but new, customer-inspired creations may bulk up the case or the cafe menu at any time (gluten-free pierogi is one such requested item).

The bakery breathes out into the cafe—a modestly sized dining space with a white tile splash along the bottom of taupe-colored walls and a tiny nook that functions as a play area. The recipes change with the seasons, but a small selection of sandwiches ($7-$8), salads ($8), pizzas ($9-$13) and sides ($3-$4) generally make up the menu (except for Sunday brunch, which has its own handful of options).

Average cost: <$10

Centerstage Reviewer: Kate Puhala