AROMA ESPRESSO BAR UNVEILS INTERIOR AHEAD OF BETHESDA GRAND OPENING (PHOTO)

The wall in front of the future Aroma Espresso Bar in Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda has been removed.  Shoppers passing by are getting their first look at Aroma's sleek interior. But the first coffee from the Israeli version of Starbucks won't be poured before late next week.

An Aroma spokesperson says they are targeting Saturday, February 9 as the opening date. But stay tuned, as that could change.

MCDONALD'S NEW FRENCH VANILLA LATTE - EXCLUSIVE VIDEO REVIEW!

Here's a second hot beverage recommendation for you today - and this one's French, too!

Now at the Bethesda McDonald's on River Road, McDonald's French Vanilla Latte. Watch my video review to find out how it has changed with the new syrup and new espresso blend.

AROMA ESPRESSO BAR GETS LIQUOR LICENSE IN BETHESDA

A spokesperson for the future Aroma Espresso bar has confirmed the upscale Bethesda coffee shop is now approved for a liquor license from Montgomery County.

The license had initially been held up by the county over vague concerns regarding keeping alcohol out of the hands of minors.  Strangely, the liquor board quickly approved a similar license for the Bethesda Row Cinema, where there will be far less ability to stop underage drinkers than Aroma.

In any case, Aroma now hopes to be ready to serve beer and wine when it opens on January 28 at Westfield Montgomery.

AROMA ESPRESSO BAR - ISRAEL'S BIGGEST COFFEE CHAIN - TO OPEN BETHESDA LOCATION IN DECEMBER

UNIQUE MENU ITEMS

COMING TO

WESTFIELD MONTGOMERY

LOCATION

Another Robert Dyer @ Bethesda Row Exclusive

Big news for Bethesda caffeine fiends:  The Israeli version of Starbucks, Aroma Espresso Bar, will open a Bethesda location in December 2012.

Aroma has chosen to expand in some interesting and underrated locales, such as Romania, Ukraine and Poland.  Their US expansion has been largest in New York City.

I've never been to an Aroma cafe, so I have to turn to my NYC sources, who have been to the Upper West Side location.  Their consensus was that the coffee was no better or worse than Starbucks, and the food was what gave Aroma an advantage over competitors.

Well, I'm looking forward to giving Aroma a try, and coming to my own conclusions.

Examining their menu, I notice they have some unique items:  Alfajor South American cookies, Rugalach, Pancake Bites, and Bulgarian pastries called Bureka.  But they are savory pastries, rather than sweet.

There is a Mediterranean influence on the sandwich, salad and breakfast menus, and a pudding called Sachlav, with coconut, pistachio and cinnamon.

I'd like to have more international chains like this open here.  Vapiano and Kraze Burger were two of the most interesting restaurants to open in recent years, and their origins overseas brought new variety to their menus.

Look forward to taking a caffeine break during holiday shopping this December, at Aroma in Westfield Montgomery Mall!