Has the economic crisis got you down? As area restaurants roll out the deals to help customers get an extra bang for their buck, there’s a silver lining to this dark cloud.

Beginning today, OpenTable.com is offering the “Appetite Stimulus Plan.” Through Friday, many area restaurants will be offering a three-course lunch menu for $24 and a three-course dinner menu for $35.

Sure, it may not be as good as getting a second check from Uncle Sam, but it’s still a great deal on a good meal.

Those who make their reservations through Open Table will receive 200 dinning points that can be traded in for restaurant gift certificates.

More than 100 restaurants in the metropolitan area will be participating. Old favorites such as the Monocle, Bistro Bis and the Oval Room will be ushering in customers along with newcomers such as 1905 on U Street. For a complete list of participating restaurants, go to opentable.com.