so finally decided on placement...
its going to go in between the front family room and the formal dining...
peninsula...
this is the look I'm after...
*this pic is not mine, found it on the net...
but interesting enough, the formal dining is a couple steps up from the family room, so set up will be similar.
on the lower side; family room side, I hope to add some bench seating. The stand & cabinetry will probably match whatever we decide on for the kitchen.