One of my favorite in the challenge. This is well lit AND it looks appetizing. nice job! The only constructive critique I can think of is perhaps you could have diffused or blocked the light to the bread and other things in the background to make them a little less distracting. Still a great image. :-)
I like this pic because it is well lit. I'm thinking you put some thought into the composition to fill the frame without having a cluttered background to distract. I do like the background items (part of a wine glass, greens, and bowl of bread as well as the closer napkin and fork) as "accessories" that help "promote" the main dish. Good use of shallow DOF also to accentuate the main dish. Very well presented. FWIW, this image helps me to conceptualize using various technique in making a good picture of this type.
This looks like a combination of a hotpasta type meal and a hotpasta type photograph. My top choice for the challenge. Great looking plate of food (man I do love fresh figs) and a pleasing arrangement.
Wonderful setup, lighting, and details in the food. I'm glad you chose to cut off corners of the plates/top of the wine glass, as that really gives the shot a more intimate feel.