Charabot -- You have my sympathies. This will be a tough one. I used to think that there was some kind of way through any kind of meal, but I have come to realize I am wrong. I agree with the others about the meatballs and the sauce and I would be worried that the salad may be pre-dressed as so many Italian salads are. I'd bring my own salad -- maybe you can sneak it onto your bare plate at the table while the others are up at the buffet? (Assuming it's a buffet!)
Don't forget, sometimes you have the perfect right to pass on an event altogether if you find that it is not worth it. I just did this over the weekend with a ballgame. I was having an extremely hungry day and my attitude wasn't all that positive, and I just didn't completely trust myself at the ballgame. I didn't think I would cheat, but I did think I would have a bad time and begin resenting this diet. So I stayed home. I don't regret it a bit. I think my hubby and son had a better time eating themselves silly without worrying about bothering me anyway.
There will be other ballgames.
Good luck!