Express Night Out: Cowboy Nights

WHETHER YOU GREET George W. Bush's departure from office with joy, sadness or ambivalence, it's hard to deny that he's had an impact on our fair city, so it's only fitting that we find a way to say goodbye. And, hey, if you're trying to find a way to ask out that cute girl who volunteers for Obama, you could do worse than proposing a satirical farewell to Prez 43. Here's how you can do it.

Start out at the Cactus Cantina, a classic spot for D.C. Mexican food (yes, it exists here, sort of) and reportedly one of the president's favorite restaurants. Sure, there are myriad barbecue joints you could try as well, but they aren't very clean and you might end up with some terrible infection, like trichinosis or a War in Iraq or something.

Of course, the centerpiece of the evening will be seeing "W." at the AMC Loews Uptown. Try to catch the 7:55 show — dinner will have to be a little early since the theater is a ways away from the Cantina, but it'll leave you time later to grab dessert and discuss the cinematic antics of Oliver Stone and the ethical implications of judging history before the story is over.

After the movie, walk starry-eyed down Connecticut Avenue until you find the Afghan Grill. Share delicate cardamom ice cream and bond over the poetry of Donald Rumsfeld and your opinion on the best way forward in Afghanistan.

It's all very romantic until you think about it, and by then hopefully she'll have accepted the offer of a second date.

» Cactus Cantina, 3300 Wisconsin Ave. NW; 202-686-7222. (Cleveland Park)
» AMC Loews Uptown 1, 3426 Connecticut Ave. NW; 202-966-5400. (Cleveland Park)
» Afghan Grill, 2309 Calvert St. NW; 202-234-5095. (Woodley Park)