The first looks fine, the second looks a little dark, especially after the black and white conversion. Bringing the color through the black and white is definitely a good way to practice with masks. Looks like a great way to spend a late night... Photography and food. If you don't mind, I figured I would share a tip.
You should try and get away form using the on camera flash. I just shot this quick little demonstration of what you can do with a simple lamp. Your going to have the put your camera to the limits as this will definitely have to be shot at a higher ISO.
I set the lamp up at a reasonable height with random house hold items. Typically you are going to want the light slightly taller than the subject. This will let the light shine into your eyes and enhance one of your best features. If it is pointing up at the subject you get "monster" light.
Before I shot I moved the chair out of the way of the lamp...
Another good tip is to "feather"(slightly move the direction of light) away from the background and the subject. Just to make sure as little light as possible is hitting the background. It can also effect the way the light hits the face, usually in a good way.
I used ISO 1600 and set the correct exposure. In my case this was 1/50th at f/5.6.
If you need any help just ask. And just shoot shoot shoot.