Restaurant critic shares 7 things she'll never order out — and the one menu item that'll make her avoid a place altogether

I always avoid the spinach-artichoke dip. val lawless/Shutterstock

• I've been a restaurant critic for 15 years, and there are a few foods I never order when I dine out.
• I avoid ordering items that aren't made in-house, whether it's cheese plates or premade sweets.

I began my career in restaurant criticism in 2008 at Seven Days newspaper in Vermont.

In the past 15 years, I've also worked in Houston and the DC metro area, tasting and evaluating food. I typically eat at a restaurant at least once a day.

Though I hate to yuck anyone's yum, there are certain foods I avoid ordering out whenever possible.

Here are dishes you're unlikely to see me ever get at a restaurant.