Have you seen Torquay in person? I ordered the 12X12 sample. I REALLY like it; if it winds up being in our budget, I want to use it in our master bath with taupe cabinets. I've only seen a tiny sample of Whitehall, but I don't think I'm a fan.

Too modern or boring for what? You haven't said anything about the look you are going for in your kitchen, and the other elements you are planning on.

My floors are wood espresso color. My cabinets are a dark brown color called java. All walls are a soft white. The house was built in the 60's with beautiful molding throughout including picture molding, ceiling molding, etc. The furniture will be mid-century modern (think Design Within Reach or IKEA). I just don't know which to choose. Again, I'm afraid the Torquay will look fake and also may be too traditional. However, maybe the traditional marble feel is just what the house needs to tie together the new with the old. Then again, is white safer or is it too boring or too modern. Help?

I think people get Torquay for what it is, a pretty countertop that is more bullet proof than real marble. I don't think anyone gets it thinking they are going to fool people into believing it's real marble, so I wouldn't worry about that issue.
If you like the look of the Torquay go for it. You can order samples of it from Cambria.

I think the all white countertop like white cliff is very modern. I don't necessarily think its boring, it's just a certain look. They are really two completely different looks. You should just decide what you like the look of better. Something with a little more dimension like Torquay or something more simple like the white cliff.

I would say Torquay does have a more modern look to it IMO or maybe a mix of traditional meets modern. I didn't like it b/c I thought it was too modern/shiny. Quartz in general gives me that feel although I know it's used other ways as well. That's just how it strikes me : )
It sounds like it would go well with what you have.