Well the young man seems to have impeccable table manners, what's not to like?
The black and white photograph, for me, seem to reveal more as the distracting effect of colours are not in play. This is especially when the subjects are human. You see the real deal. I just kove black and white photos and yours is a good example.
I like both, but as you said. b&w captures something more when there is no distractions.