Park Slope: Yeah, yeah: Chefs are supposed to be the new rock stars. But, in the case of Thistle Hill Tavern, an Euro-Mediterranean eatery in Park Slope, the opposite holds true: “Fat Mike” Burkett, a member of punk band NOFX, is a co-owner, along with a Niagara Bar vet and two alums from ‘inoteca. OK, Burkett’s not really the chef per se—’inoteca’s Rebecca Weitzman wears the toque—but together the crew hopes “to establish an [updated] old-world tavern [that uses] as many local purveyors as possible,” says co-owner David Massoni (he’s the other ‘inoteca dude). The cocktail list is equally old world, including the namesake Thistle drink, made here with Famous Grouse scotch, Carpano Antica vermouth and Lee Brothers orange bitte

The city is shuttering two much-needed after-school programs in Park Slope and a summer program in Fort Greene because the neighborhoods aren’t poor enough to justify their existence.