You should be able to chip it away to the point you need it. It won't be quick or fun. Wear safety goggles!

If the tiles are the same thickness, probably not. You should just plan on removing the toekick covers so they sit over the new grout.

Thank you, katinparadise and phuninthesun. What do you mean "if the tiles are same thickness, probably not" katinparadise?

just remove up to the cabinets. you can hide anything w/the toe kick or quarter round molding.

The tile thickness would only come into play if you got much thicker tiles. say, those cement tiles. they are over 3/4". They would prob come up higher than where your cabinets sit. that would be the issue. But if you are going w/a standard tile, it's no prob. I would try and pull out the fridge and at least change the row that sits up front or if you can see down the sides.