You are right I will probably end up asking a mason to step in after I tear down the little that is remaining.
Wife is really leaning towards the granite Marinace, looks great in person, a lot different then the pics. Some places call it RiverRocks.
Emailed family and friends and ended up about 60% for it and 40% against.
We will be tossing this around all weekend.

Getting there!!!!!!!
 

Well it's taking a while but I am getting there. Had a fellow Italian buddy of mine who knows masonry give me a hand with the brick and they came out nice.

After three trips to check out granite we still agreed to stick with our original choice and we both love the look of it n the kitchen.

I had another three cabinet made for the right side of the stove. Bottom draw is extra deep, holds a gallon of olive oil straight up, which is what it was built for. Oils, vinegars, cooking wines, spice grinders all the tall stuff is right there now. I stole the idea from my older brother.

Now we have to decide on the floor and the wall color. Oh yeah I tore off al the old ugly backsplash and lost half the dry wall with it tear it all out and replace the dry wall. Had a plaster guy come in and touch up all the repairs around the doors we changed as well.

Awesome job!!!!!.....my wife wants a new kitchen in the worst way but it is definitely not in my budget

cabinet
 

Waiting for Cecelia to start hiding in the drawer, better get safety latch. Pictures of brick work redone, thank God for talented buddies.

really looks nice, and I do like the granite you picked out. Looks very nice installed. Enjoy!

Thanks! It's getting there. Hood should be in this week just have to find the time to install it....then flooring and paint decisions come into play.