In The Pipeline:

Any day that starts with a plump and delicious grilled scallop atop a sweet potato puree is a good day, and so it all began last week at the 10th annual Taste of Huntington Beach, which benefits the Children’s Library of Huntington Beach.

The sports complex adjacent to Huntington Central Park was the scene where, under an enormous white circus tent, dozens of local restaurants presented some of their best selections. The aforementioned scallop was served at the Market Broiler booth, and as an official judge, it was my duty to make the rounds and sample something from everyone (in some cases, as with the scallop, more than one).

It was gastronomy heaven for me and close to 3,000 other people at an event that, though marred last year by counterfeit ticket sales, seemed to exceed everyone’s already lofty expectations.

Some other favorite stops of mine were Sandy’s Beach Grill (an amazing lamb chop), Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, RA Sushi and Duke’s. It was a splendid day that celebrated the Children’s Library and the many businesses in Huntington Beach that are creatively (and tastefully) doing what they have to thrive during these challenging economic times.

I asked Gail Page, one of the representatives of the Friends of the Children’s Library, and a member of the Taste of Huntington Beach Committee, for her impressions about the event.

How was this year compared to last?

Ticket sales were ahead of last year; we had more restaurants participating this year than any other year, and the new VIP ticket package we tried for the first time was a big success

Were you happy with the results?

Very pleased. Feedback from our guests was very positive, the weather was perfect, and everyone really seemed to have a great time.

Favorite foods you tried?

Ahi tuna from Duke’s, grilled lamb from Sandy’s, the tuna from the Longboard, gelato from Mangiamo and the crepes from Rockin’ Crepes.

Your biggest surprise of the day?

Everything came together so smoothly it was almost scary — I was just waiting for a problem to come up. But all the advance planning and hard work done by the Taste committee before the event really paid off.

Thanks again to everyone who made the day such a shining success.

Also in the Central Park area, the Shipley Nature Center held its spring festival last week, and my daughter and I attended. If you haven’t been to Shipley recently (I had not been) to enjoy the nature, it is a delight. Volunteer Joe Shaw walked us through all of the educational opportunities offered by the center, including a great interpretive area, native plant nursery, opportunities to sponsor one’s garden and more.

The loop trail at Shipley includes many interesting stations, the blackbird pond and coastal sage scrub habitat, among many other highlights. It really was incredible getting “lost” on the trail among wildflowers, many different birds, replica Indian artifacts and the simple, private serenity of rediscovering a place so lovely. Have you been recently? It’s well worth your while. Visit www.shipleynature.org.

I gave a tour to about 25 visiting travel journalists — a walking tour of downtown (which I’d like to formalize at some point in the form of a detailed brochure). We talked about downtown, and I mentioned to a few of them that they should visit Shipley Nature Center. They were unfamiliar with it. “One of Huntington Beach’s best-kept secrets, huh?” one of them asked.

Perhaps. But it shouldn’t be.

CHRIS EPTING is the author of 17 books, including the new “Huntington Beach Then & Now.” You can write him at [email protected] .