Thomas Jefferson opened our most famous American political document with the words “We the People.” Those very simple words are today the perfect description of the blooming commercial corridor Jefferson himself envisioned on Eighth Street SE to serve his Marine Corps Barracks and Navy Yard. In 2008 “We the People” stands for the global village of cuisine now found on Eighth Street. This year’s Dine Around event is May 17 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. For $40 you get a sampling of 16 restaurants with globe-spanning menus. Tickets are on sale at participating restaurants, merchants or at www.barracksrow.org.

But even before your world food tour begins, as you stroll historic Barracks Row’s Eighth Street for Dine Around this year, you’re in store for some surprises. First, the very, very new … in fact, not quite open yet … still under renovation is Tapatini’s – we hear it’s scheduled to be renamed Lola’s, and a new menu will feature relaxed gourmet suppers. A spectacular mahogany bar crafted in South Carolina is the center point for innovative before and after drinks, and a cozy patio with huge outdoor fireplace in the rear can add a romantic rendezvous site to your busy week. Look for a late May reopening.

A few doors up, a total restoration is underway at the former Vending Machine Repair site. We feel compelled to report the daily presence of Matchbox trucks. Crews from Matchbox on H Street slip in and behind closed doors to labor on the future Barracks Row Matchbox. A late summer opening is in the forecast.

Open now and participating in Dine Around but evolving as we speak, is the first stop on the world tour of cuisine, Café 8 Mediterranean Eatery (former Ellington’s site). There is an expansive back patio featuring a leafy tree canopy, umbrellas and Riviera-style wall fountains. And no, it’s not your imagination … there is something very different inside, too: hardwood floors, a sexy revamped bar area and a back dining room renovated with a hearty color scheme of rich plum hues that sets off handsome mirrors and exotic wall sconces. Like Tapatini’s/Lolas, the menu at Café 8 is changing as Café 8’s new chef, Jordan Davidowitz (formerly of Zatinyas), works his creative magic with a Mediterranean focus. The new menu is to be unveiled in late spring.

Across the street, Fusion Grille is now hitting their stride after a total inside and out renovation last year, with a menu of both traditional Asian dishes and adventurous fusion segues. Recently I enjoyed a tangy traditional hot and sour soup, while my dining companion loved a modern hot and sour soup smartly seasoned with habanero chilies. And while in the Asian moment, Dine Around patrons always love the taste of Thai at Old Siam … a bit of that exotic Eastern monarchy tucked right next door to the fire station!

A Global Village Dine Around would not be complete without the Indian subcontinent represented. Capitol Hill Tandoor continues to impress with its fine repertoire of authentic Pakistani dishes. Visit Capitol Hill Tandoor during Dine Around for the before view – it’s about to undergo a substantial exterior renovation – and come back later this summer for the after.

The Silk Road that ended near Pakistan started in Europe. Belga is a prime stop on the 2008 Dine Around tour that offers us European café elegance and samples from their sophisticated menu of classic Belgian dishes. An extensive collection of Belgian Beers is always available should a tasting moment need to be extended to something more substantive!

Over the English Channel (and across the street) we find Finn MacCool’s, Eighth Street’s Irish pub, the spot for friendly blarney, cold beer and excellent sandwiches.

Bringing us to the Western hemisphere, we have Central America represented. Las Placitas serves Salvadoran/Mexican folk and country style dishes in a charming cantina setting. A few doors up from Las Placitas, Starfish Café continues the theme with its Caribbean/Creole menu in a fresh, fun island décor. Banana Cafe offers both Cuban and Puerto Rican dishes served in a languid patio themed indoor/outdoor setting, and from way down in South America we find Chicken Tortilla serving Peruvian grilled chicken on Eighth Street just south of the Interstate 295 border! We arrive back the USA at Marty’s, The Ugly Mug and Levi’s Port café (recently named the home of the best mac and cheese in DC)… three well loved spots focused on all American cooking served in the neighborhood … where everybody know your name!

For more information on Dine Around call Barracks Row Main Street 202-544-3188. Tickets are available wherever the Dine Around “Plates on 8th” poster is displayed.