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It would surprise no one to hear of a New Yorker running off to Thailand to paint landscapes. Tom Isenberg did the reverse. He was happily ensconced near the Laotian border when a friend convinced him to drop his palette and brushes and help open a coffeehouse in the East Village. The result is 17 Bleecker, where thirty-something locals lap up lattes, nibble on pastries, and cruise the Internet via free wi-fi. The decor is minimalist: silver-hued tin ceilings, natural wood flooring, and white painted walls outfitted with Mark Rothko-inspired paintings done by the staff. Opaque sconces and hanging lamps add some retro quaintness. In addition to small tables, there are a couple of loveseats in the back, as well as a tiny “co-operative library” where patrons can take a book if they leave one. Food extends to simple wraps, pot pies, and quiches. The cafe’s version of Quiche Lorraine pleases with plenty of smoky bacon, mushrooms, and onions suffusing the rich egg custard; its flaky, buttery crust provides a nice textural foil. Among desserts, there’s an excellent streusel-topped apple pie that cradles cinnamon-spiced apples in a cookie dough crust. — Michael Anstendig

Quiche Lorraine, $5.25; turkey pot pie, $7.50