The only time I've enjoyed doing web development was when I used the GoogleWebToolkit (GWT). All in Java, easy to debug, no hassle with quirks from browsers, etc. A dauting learning curve, yes, which also leaves you with the syndrom of the white page at first. But also very flexible. Further suggestion, look into using a framework (Highly recommend MVP) to help you focus your design as GWT gives so much freedom that it's hard to know where to start when new to it.