The April + May 2021 16th anniversary issue of Barista Magazine features ChiSum Ngai of Coffee Project New York on the cover.
Also included: Articles about pop-ups, to-go trends, machine repair, an interview with Australia’s Anne Cooper, and much more!
BY KENNETH R. OLSON
BARISTA MAGAZINE
It’s April, and here in Portland, the signs of spring are unmistakable. Every day, the sun peeks out from behind the clouds for longer and longer stretches of time while flowers bloom and trees sprout leaves. As the world breezes past the one-year mark of the COVID-19 pandemic, we can’t help but mourn what has been lost, even as these symbols of rebirth surround us. And in those symbols (and the very real and tangible vaccines) that are now being spread across the world, we hope for better days ahead and a new spirit of compassion and community to carry with us into the future. We are all connected, as the pandemic has demonstrated so vividly.
The April + May 2021 issue marks the 16th anniversary of Barista Magazine. We could not have done it without you, our readers, or our advertisers, and I thank you all for your support.
Cover Feature: ChiSum Ngai
On the cover of this issue is ChiSum Ngai, co-founder of Coffee Project New York. ChiSum (who goes by Sum) moved to New York after growing up in Malaysia. Once exposed to the Big Apple’s specialty-coffee scene, Sum left her job in IT to launch Coffee Project New York. She started the business with her partner and fellow immigrant from Malaysia, Kaleena Teoh, and now it has multiple locations, a roastery, and a Specialty Coffee Association-certified training lab. Even as the pandemic threw hazard and hardship her way, Sum worked diligently to continue Coffee Project New York’s mission of serving up education, community resources, and of course incredible coffee. Original photography by Emilee Bryant.
‘To-Go Is Here to Stay’
The pandemic has upended traditional operations at many cafés worldwide. One transition many places that have remained open have made is focusing on take away orders. As we emerge from the pandemic, many signs point to to-go orders retaining their popularity. Writer Emily Meneses takes an in-depth look at the developing trend in the April + May 2021 issue, with an original illustration by Isip Xin.
‘Cashbox: All About Pop-Ups’
Business consultant Tracy Allen of Brewed Behavior returns with his popular column “Cashbox.” In this installment, he writes about pop-ups, how to approach a business to partner with, and what they can mean for the bottom line. Original illustration by Kate Haberer.
‘Caution: Read Before Wrenching’
Ever wonder what it’s like to work as a machine technician? Tom Abraham tackles the topic by writing about his own experience working behind the bar and then under it. He gives tips to aspiring tech workers, and offers some hard truths about the tough days, too.
‘One on One: Anne Cooper‘
Anne Cooper has always been driven. She has cut her own path through the specialty-coffee world as a barista and a roaster, not to mention judge, trainer, and more. She spoke with Lucy Ward, an outstanding Australian coffee professional in her own right, about working in specialty coffee in the issue’s “One on One” interview.
And as always, you have your choice to read Barista Magazine in paper or digital format. You can order a hard copy through our online store here or start a subscription. Start your subscription with the April + May 2021 issue, and you’ll get a copy of the 2nd Crack comic book for free!
Read the April + May 2021 issue for free with our digital edition. Visit our digital edition archives here.
