I posted earlier (16:17) and just wanted to add that I agree with PP who pointed out that nobody really wants to face a wall when they're working -- esp. if there's a kitchen table or island nearby that offers a different view. My suggestion would be that you use the space as a counter-height surface for mail sorting, charging devices, ipod docking station, ipad, having pens and pencils and writing paper handy, etc. (actually, this is what we have on our desk). We do use the skinny desk drawer for office supply items that the whole family uses, as well as things like keys and stamps.
What I'd love to have is more deep drawer space in the kitchen, so that's what I'd put in your niche under the couter surface. You could store items that you don't use often -- e.g., table linens or holiday tableware. You could also use the space above the counter for cookbook shelves -- even with all the online recipe resources, I still have cookbooks, as do most of the folks I know who really cook a lot.