It’s tough out there. You know how I know? Because every political ad is telling me so. It’s beginning to mess with my head, either we’re wickedly worse off than we were a few years ago or we are surely headed into a world of peril if we don’t act now. What’s an optimist to do in these times to fight off the doomgloom? Here’s my solution: take solace in your fellow man. Join forces with friends and stake out a seat or bar stool at your local eating establishment and push good karma into the world by the very force of your laughter. It’s been working for me. Yesterday I hung out with friends who were excited by their booming small business and we ate food from a new upstart that was thrilled by the prospect of new eaters. If you’re tightening your belt, there are plenty of deals and happy hours for you, if you need a raucous scene to lift your spirits there are even more that fit the bill. This Fresh Forkin’ Friday, don’t hide in the dark places and let the Golems win, instead pull a Frodo and Sam and fire up a brace of coneys with some taters.

*****

OPENS

Two new spots in the Midtown Global Market are open for business. Sabbai Express Cuisine is a counter serving Cambodian and Thai food. There are some dishes in a hot line and pad Thai made to order. Around the corner Fresco’s Pasta Bar is serving up plates of pasta, including a build your own options and soups and salads. The market side is still being built up.

Insert Coins , the video game bar/resto is opening tonight. I’m not quite sure the emphasis for this place is food, but the guy in the kitchen is Tony Panelli, former owner of the now-closed Caribe, so at least the conch fritters, empanadas, and tostones have pedigree.

I’ve been meaning to mention that what was once Conga Latin Bistro in NE, has become Mango Bar & Grill . The place has had a bit of a refresh and the menu is Nuevo Latino. I don’t know how much of it is really new, but I did see some pork with mofongo, for you mofongo fans.

The Belmore/The New Skyway Lounge is quietly open in the old City Billiards. The place reads minimalist eatery during the day, serving breakfast to dinner, with food plotted by Nick & Eddie’s Doug Anderson. I’ve heard talk about a maniacally good pizza crust, but more on that later. At night this is a music hall, an intimate one where 300 of your people can enjoy some Bow Wow Wow if you want.

*****

If you missed getting your zombie on a few weeks ago, you have another chance. The ZPC guys are throwing a Halloween bash with downtown Crave: Get ready for a little Promageddon. It’s a dinner/dance party for the undead and will surely be the best reason to dig out your old bridesmaid dresses an trash them all to hell. You can skip dinner and just dance party if you’ve had your fill of brains.

*****

And of course, this Saturday is Darkness Day. The first 800 people in line at Surly get to purchase 6 bottles of Darkness, and they may already be itching to line up, but rules say NOT UNTIL AFTER 3:30 on Friday. Don’t be a DB or you will be blackballed. If you do manage to pop by, there will also be live music, limited release casks for the sipping (cash only) and food trucks for the noshing. If you ask me, the trick is to stroll in later in the day, after all the bums have rushed.

*****

If you love your local restos why not shout it out? You still have time to vote for their dishes to win top honors at The Charlie Awards. Log on and you can vote in each neighborhood once a day, but voting ends Sunday. So then you should buy tickets to actual show, which kicks-off with pre-gaming at brunch with bloodies and me.