Stainless Steel and Butcher Block.

Cheap, lasts forever, and looks great, especially with stainless appliances.

That's the route I'm going when finish my kitchen remodel.

Had the gasline for the stove & range installed today. (really!)

Next is the hood exhaust, then I get to take a sledge hammer to the early 90's formica cabinets.

If you're planning work done, now's the time. Contractors are really hard up since the housing market shat.