In her never-ending and too often futile quest to find good food in Flagler County, Blue at Topaz was like a breath of fresh air for News-Journal staff writer Kari Cobham.

When the streets are quiet and few folks roam the downtown drag at night, a little spot on Canal Street offers warmth in its soups, songs and folks. It's not always easy finding a place to eat in New Smyrna Beach once the sun goes down, so when News-Journal staff writer Kelly Cuculiansky saw the lights on at Malony's Oyster Bar, she happily ushered her parents and fiance in for what she knew would be a unique meal.

Very plain and unassuming, to the point that you've probably driven right by, Essex Seafood Two is where you may have been missing some of the best fried seafood this side of the Atlantic Ocean.