You may want to look up sites like http://www.brilliantlighting.com/kits/monorail-lighting-kits.htm or http://www.brilliantlighting.com/mfg/track-lighting-pendants.htm Typically manufacturers like WAC, Prima Lighting will supply both the track and pendants. Whether they work properly is dependent on The rated voltage (eg- 120, 12, 24, ...) for the system as both the bulb and wiring for the track and pendants assume a particular voltage. If you decide on a low voltage system, there is a transformer that has to be purchased as well.

Are you buying from a "lighting" store or a large box outlet store. If it's a lighting store they should be able to tell you which ones go with which. If not, go to one and look to see if it's done there. I think you can mix and match as long as it is in the same manufacuturer line. You might want to check around to see if you can find a line that already has that in a similar style your interested in. Post a few pics and see what others might chime in for ideas : ) Hope that helps

240.5(B)(2) tells we can use #18 FIXTURE WIRE tapped off a 20 amp circuit for 15' or less, and #16 for 30' or less. This is the wire that is part of a fixture. With track lighting the fixture starts at the live end. The wire/raceway you are talking about is NOT a "tap". It is still part of the branch circuit. Why the heck would he want to do this anyway? What is he saving? If he did/does do this does he know he is limited to 6 amps per tap? That is what #18 fixture wires is rated for.

I think pendants would look fine. I think track lighting would be awful. We have pendants over our island and they light the whole kitchen....much has to do with the shade...if it was, say, solid metal, it would only cast light down. But ours is transluscent so it lights the entire area. Further, it brings the source of the light closer to the counter so it can light even better. My GF has dark stained glass so it fundamentally lights down only...but hers is over her sink so that's all she needs. Also, the pendants would give you a little visual break between the kitchen and the eat-in area which I thing would look nice. Further, it can be part of the jewelry of the room which makes the room sparkle. Track can be most uncomfortable if you are sitting or standing where it is pointing at you. Also track, unless done purposely with modern design, can look dated. If you were really unsure about the pendants, then putting recessed cans over the peninsula would be an alternative.