Suggestions To A Newcomer: Ten Places For Tanya To Check Out From Fruit To Sausage To Dosas

Tanya just moved from Cleveland -- land of pierogies and terrible sports teams, she said.  She and her boyfriend have checked out some places around Howard County, but she emailed asking what I would recommend for a newcomer's list.

What would you recommend?  Obviously, it's a personal decision.  Tanya says she has eclectic taste, but nothing too exotic.  I wrote a Tour of Howard County last year, and I have written lists of best restaurants and great food experiences.  But it seemed fun to try again -- a list specifically aimed at a newcomer, not too exotic, and affordable so that people can try them all right away:

• Larriland Farm in Woodbine.  Tanya wants a place to pick fruit, and Larriland has wonderful pick-your-own.  August is the perfect month as everything gets ripe, and it stays hopping through Halloween.  On the way home, check out the barbecue at the Town Grill in Lisbon.
• Sausage at the Boarman's Meat Market in Highland.  Sausage!  Links, bulk, or shaped like a pig.  It's housemade.  And check out Roots off Rte 108 in Clarksville on your way to or from Highland.
• Maiwand Kabob in Columbia.  Delicious Afghan food -- grilled meats, hot breads, and vegetable side dishes that make the plates compete with most restaurants around.
• Victoria Gastro Pub in Columbia.  Beer.  Tanya likes the beer at Pub Dog, and the beer sampler -- maybe out on Victoria's patio -- goes perfectly with the best burger around.
• Sandwiches and breads at Bon Fresco Sandwich Bakery in Columbia.  Sandwiches stand out, and the breads are a $2 way to make an easy dinner.  And check out Nazar Market across the parking lot.
• Ice cream on Rte 40 in Ellicott City.  Old school is Soft Stuff for soft serve.  New wave is tart yogurt like Tutti Fruti.  (And a little more driving gets you to the Snowball Stand in Woodstock.)
• Takeout tacos at the R&R Deli in Jessup.  Spectacular tacos, lamb soup, and even ceviche.  All in a Shell station.  Drive across Rte 175 to the shopping center with Mom's Organic Market and Pollo Fuego.
• Frank's Seafood in Jessup.  It's just off Rte 175, and it's the place for Tanya to get the seafood that she loves and the crabs that make this Maryland.
• Dim sum at Asian Court in Ellicott City.  The new Red Pearl may offer competition, but Asian Court sets the standard with rolling cards on weekends and a menu of dim sum during the week.
• And finally, Mango Grove in Columbia.  It's vegetarian Southern Indian food.  A little different, but not to exotic, I hope.  Try a dosa and one of the curries.  Drink a mango lassi.  The woman who runs the place gives great advice.

What would you suggest?  There are so many places that I have written about here.  Any ideas for affordable seafood restaurants?  What three places would you suggest to a newcomer?