Wet your whistle, sharpen your tastebuds, release that shopping desire and head on over to the Shops on Butterfield for a “Nite on the Town at Yorktown” from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursdays through July 17.

I was pleasantly surprised when I attended this event to not only see 93.9 WLIT “The Lite” feature Jennifer Lucrezio and Band, but that she entertained us throughout the evening. Besides many people milling around and enjoying The Lite, there were food stations set up in the courtyard of the Shops on Butterfield from all of the new restaurants in the area and some new stores you should know about.

Belly Courtier Boutique was started by two moms: April Filippelli and Kristen Mrase. They decided to bring fashion to the maternity department. The clothes that are available in this store were so attractive I did not realize it was a maternity store until I was told. Some of the dresses looked like a throwback from the ‘70s. Remember the long dresses that were in style? That’s what they have there, only a little roomier for the mom to grow. Of course, I went back to when I was pregnant 20 years ago, and we certainly did not have jeans like the ones they supply. Check this store out if you are in need of looking great while you are pregnant.

The Denim Loft was a fun surprise. This boutique had unusual, exclusive clothes that you just wouldn’t see yourself coming and going in. Their Web site is at www.thedenimloft.com.

Miroballi Shoes had that great new-shoe smell throughout their showroom when I walked in. What I like about this store is that it just exists in the Chicago suburbs and is family owned. They have casual shoes to stepping-out shoes in both men’s and women’s styles. For information, call them at (630) 495-7373 or go on their Web site at www.miroballishoes.com.

But let’s get into why I really went there — the restaurants. To name some familiar chains, Boudin SF is great for lunch and dinner. I have heard from a reliable source that their Crab Macaroni & Cheese is to die for. Adobo Grill opened up last year, and manager Alex De Lariva explained that this is traditional Mexican food, not American Mexican food. To add to the dining experience, guacamole is handmade at your table if ordered, and margaritas are shaken in front of you. As long as they have mine salted around the rim, I will be happy.

I visited D.O.C. Wine Bar and spoke with owner Doug Dunlay, who says business is great.

“Although we feature our wine bar, it’s not always about the wine. Our food is great, and we have an extensive dinner menu. We serve non-alcoholic drinks and encourage you to come try us out for lunch,” he said.

Food is also served at the bar, which makes it attractive to people who might be by themselves and want to grab a bite to eat at a really good restaurant. For lunch, they feature soup and salad, the greatest grilled cheese with New York cheddar and bragged-about burgers. But I have to tell you, their desserts are incredible, especially the Lincoln Park warm chocolate chip cookie.

And I did stop by one of my all-time favorite restaurants, Brio Tuscan Grill. After the band stops playing in the courtyard, Brio has a jazz band to take over on their terrace. Thursday is Martini night, and they offer martinis for $2 off all day. Manager Alan Eaton suggested trying “The Ripper,” a Shiraz wine from the Hope Estate in Western Australia that has a taste of tobacco, chocolate and vanilla. They also offer brunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. This brunch is served a la carte — not buffet style — so the menu is more specialized for a meal that is different from ordinary eggs. My next trip, I think I will have to try the crab crepes.

So the idea is to save your next shopping day at Yorktown for Thursday. Browse around the new shops and have a mini taste of the new restaurants, or sit down, relax and have a glass of wine and dinner at the great restaurants available.