Take heart...the 2-3 lbs are just water. I know...it happens to me all the time. However, I wouldn't totally "give up" on the cheat meal thingy..I just think you need to "readjust" the way you view it.
A "cheat meal" is not a license to gorge. You still have to watch portion sizes...and it should consist of only 1 meal (prot/carb/fat). Knowing how LARGE restaurant portions are, the next time, I would totally SKIP the appetizer ( or just have a small side salad with low cal dressing instead if you feel you must eat this course to be avoid appearing non-social), order an entree (but leave some on the plate as the portions are usually big enough for 3 people), share or eat half of dessert. Lastly...I'd pass on the wine (alcohol warps our hunger responses), but then again...I'm not a drinker, so to be fair, if you really enjoy wine and wish to have "a glass", then I'd forego dessert. Remember...you can always have dessert NEXT WEEK...no need to get EVERYTHING in tonight! (avoid the ALL or NOTHING mentality).
Cheat meals (IMHO) are not supposed to make you feel gross and bloated or "hungover" the next day, it's supposed to keep your metabolism revved up, and remove the feeling of deprivation which usually spirals into that "DREADED" ALL or NOTHING feeling that is generally followed by weight gain.
The good news is that one overeating session does not make you..well..fat (for lack of a better word), but continuous sessions do. Today's a new day. New you. Adjust your thinking and your body will follow.
Feel better.