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New metro Detroit Japanese bakery satisfies sweet tooth in a unique way

Posted at 3:57 PM, Oct 03, 2019
and last updated 2019-10-03 18:05:35-04

CLAWSON, Mich. (WXYZ) — A Japanese bakery in Clawson is sparking curiosity among foodies.

White Wolf Japanese Patisserie is on 14 Mile Road near South Main Street. When you think of Japanese food, usually sushi comes to mind – but try some dessert.

“I haven’t seen anything else doing what we’re doing,” said White Wolf Executive Chef Doran Brooks.

He isn’t from Michigan but picked metro Detroit to open up the Japanese Patisserie because of the foodie destination it’s become.

“The best place to do something new, something fun,” Brooks said.

He calls the menu non-traditional Japanese food, but they are treats you’ll find in Tokyo cafes.

“Japanese pastries, specifically, actually are very heavily influenced from French technique from hundreds of years ago,” he said.

You will see that in items with chocolate. More traditional Japanese ingredients include matcha, which is green tea.

Try the green tea latte or their matcha Swiss roll filled with red beans. It called Azuki and is another main ingredient in Japanese desserts. It is not all sweets either like this snack called curry pan.

“Beautiful, crunchy outside crust with a soft dough and this, kind of, savory curry inside,” Brooks said.

Sam Kada’s family tried White Wolf for the first time, even his 2-year-old son Nathan enjoyed the treats.

“Flavors are really good, nice balanced flavors too," Kada said. "That’s the good part, not too sweet, not too overwhelming."

You can sit close to the artisans and ask questions, including how to pronounce the dishes.

"If you’re not so adventurous, order the matcha cheesecake,” Chef Brooks said. “(It's) an opportunity to try something new and unique through the venue of something very familiar.”

The goal is to expand your palate and knowledge on Japanese food.

“My hope and desire is that they start to open up their pallet a little more and they try the next thing that is maybe a little bit less familiar,” Brooks added.