Peppercorn Cafe - newly cracked in East Patchogue

Just opened in East Patchogue is Peppercorn Cafe, which takes over the former home of South Country Inn. The casual restaurant has 14 tables and a full bar.

In charge of the kitchen is Chef Dave Moritz, who cooked at Off Key Tiki in Patchogue and Westhampton Steak House in Westhampton.

While lunch and dinner are now being served, the place will launch a breakfast menu May 22. Moritz's current repertoire includes baked clams ($9), arugula and beet salad ($8), a burger with fried egg, American cheese and peppercorn sauce ($11), a steak sandwich ($12), a half-roasted chicken ($17) and lobster pot pie ($25).

Peppercorn Cafe is at 668 S. Country Rd., East Patchogue, 631-438-0661.