Boston - June 09, 2005

The Finnish Line

Sweet Finnish Bakery

As Scandinavians go, the Finns don’t get a lot of play. The Swedes gave us Ikea, the Norwegians the biathlon, and the Danish, well, danishes.

But as it turns out, the Danes aren’t the only ones feeling the morning jones for something sugary. The new Sweet Finnish bakery is opening eyes in Jamaica Plain with unusual old-world pastries that blow their cousins’ out of the (freezing cold) water.

Among the bakery’s specialties is the traditional pulla, a Finnish bread with raisins and cardamom, and tosca cake — a rich, glazed-almond confection topped with lots of nutty slivers.

Meanwhile, there’s nothing old world about the cafe’s modern, sunny space on Centre Street, which graces the neighborhood with high ceilings, lots of local art, and sleek tables that are sure to be filled once the addictive taste of pullas catches on.

What’s next? Sara Lee “finnishes”? Let’s hope not.

Sweet Finnish, 761 Centre Street, at Greenough Avenue, Jamaica Plain (617-522-5200).