Photos courtesy of Alexa Cutrer
There are some places you visit for a reliably delicious lunch, and there are some places you visit because they make an ordinary afternoon feel like an occasion. St. James Cheese Company in Pass Christian is both.
Located inside the beautiful new Pass Bungalows resort, St. James Cheese Company brings a fresh, elevated and delightfully indulgent concept to the Coast. It’s part specialty market, part café, part wine-and-cheese daydream.
I have visited a few times since this spot opened, but when I noticed the addition of a new caviar service, I knew it was time to run, not walk.
A TIN WORTH TALKING ABOUT
The caviar service is exactly the kind of little luxury the Coast needs more of. Guests can choose a tin of Altima caviar, and for an additional $10, St. James will serve it traditionally with blinis, chopped egg, crème fraîche, shallots and chives.
The Altima caviar was fresh, buttery and rich, with a mild brine that didn’t overpower the bite. The pearls had a clean, crisp pop, followed by a smooth, savory finish that made it feel elevated but still approachable. It was salty enough to taste like the sea, but not so salty that it overwhelmed the flavor — making it an easy entry point for someone who may be newer to caviar.
But the caviar is only the beginning.
THE SALAD I’M STILL DREAMING ABOUT
The biggest surprise of the meal was the Parmigiano Reggiano salad, which might be one of the best I’ve ever tasted. It had everything I want in a salad: salty Fra’ Mani salami, oil-cured black olives, tender artichoke hearts, crunchy walnuts, sharp Parmigiano Reggiano and mixed greens tossed in a Dijon vinaigrette that pulled it all together. Every bite had a little something different, but it never felt too busy. It was rich, bright, savory, crunchy and fresh all at once.
CHEESE, SEAFOOD, AND COMFORT FOOD
I’ve enjoyed every bite of their cheese-filled delights, including a hot muffaletta, macaroni and cheese and grilled cheese — all cozy, melty comfort-food energy.
The charcuterie board was exactly what you want from a place built around great cheese: thoughtful, abundant and full of unique flavor. The scallop tin board was a fun coastal twist and a great option if you love seafood and light bites.
A MARKET MADE FOR ENTERTAINING
One of the best parts of St. James Cheese Company is that it works for so many kinds of visits. You can sit down and enjoy a full lunch, pop in for wine and snacks, grab a specialty board for a beach picnic or shop the market for everything you need to build a beautiful spread at home.
The product market is a dream for anyone who loves entertaining or just appreciates good ingredients. You’ll find fine cheeses, meats, olives, nuts, chocolate, breads, crackers, drinks and so much more. You’ll walk in for lunch and leave with an entire plan for happy hour on the porch.
St. James is also now serving wine, beer and cocktails, which makes the experience feel even more complete. Think Aperol spritzes, margaritas, canned craft beer and local Fly Llama Brewing hard seltzers. The beverage choices add to the celebratory feel of the space and make it easy to linger a little longer.
REFINED, BUT STILL RELAXED
What really makes this new Pass Christian spot so special is that it feels like a treat, but not in a way that’s inaccessible. We ate outside with our newborn and let our toddler run around on the green space while we dined. It’s refined but still relaxed. It’s delicious, but also experiential. It gives locals and visitors another reason to slow down, gather around a table and enjoy something beautiful.
IF YOU GO
St. James Cheese Company In The Pass Bungalows
100 W. Scenic Drive, Unit D Pass Christian
(228) 400-4242
Hours: Monday, 11 a.m.–4 p.m.
Tuesday and Wednesday, closed
Thursday, 11 a.m.–4 p.m.
Friday, 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
Saturday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Breakfast served Saturdays from 9–11 a.m. and Sunday: 11 a.m.–4 p.m.