When I'm by myself at a buffet, I tend to ask the workers for help if I need it, but to be honest the only time I've been to one by myself was at a dining hall for a blind camp here in California. They had breakfast items served in easy-to-use stations and sighted chefs were on hand to help out if requested. Never hurts to ask for help, and catered events and buffets generally always have staff on hand replenishing the food trays that can be asked.

Otherwise, I always go with someone sighted. My partner has vision and whenever we go to Vegas or Reno, she sits me down at the table and I handle ordering drinks while she runs around getting a lay-of-the-land for the buffet. She has a good idea of what I like and I tell her some staples that I'm craving, and she comes back with a plate full of surprise items then describes it all to me before heading off to fill her own plate. We've found this method to be the safest and most efficient, as human guide through a crowded buffet whilst holding two plates of food can get treacherous, especially around oblivious people and children. In other situations, I've been with sighted co-workers who walked with me and told me what was available, then filled a plate after I made my choices. This really helps in those loud environments where I can get disoriented from the noise and bustle.

Most of the time I’ve been with sighted people.
When by myself or with other VIPs, will call ahead earlier in the day and give them a heads-up, and they’ve always been more than willing to help.
In a situation like yours, events like that generally have lots of people refilling the buffet, and simply asking someone to help, like you did would do the trick.

If there's no choice but to attend a buffet then I just have to ask for help. No way is it hygienic or pleasant for me to get my hands into everything.
When I organise events for VI people, I always try to avoid them and we arrange alternatives.
In the UK.

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