Two questions. For those more experienced than I.

More experienced than I is very general for pretty much all of you.
That being said question #1. How does one go about maintaining the distressed look and feel of wood while providing a level surface for a table top, or any other piece? I ask because my last two pieces I used distressed pallet pine, and sanded it down to pretty much a slick surface. Looked great imo, but obviously did not pull the distressed feel off.
#2. Any one have some "bar cabinet" plans? I have never made a cabinet before and have a potential custom order. I would feel much more comfortable with some plans to shape to the custom specifications.
Thanks for any help.