Medieval city of Caceres won Spain¿s culinary blessing for a reason

Atrio’s wine director, Jose Luis Paniagua, gives a cellar tour and describes the collection of France’s famous sweet wine Chateau d’Yquem, which occupies a separate room in the cellar.  (Terri Colby / Chicago Tribune)

One of 13 courses on Atrio’s tasting menu is the “Bloody Mary.”  (Terri Colby / Chicago Tribune)

Chef Ivan Hernandez gives a demonstration at the Cayena Kitchen Club.  (Terri Colby / Chicago Tribune)

Presentations, such as this dessert plate, can be elaborate at the restaurant in the Parador in Caceres.  (Terri Colby / Chicago Tribune)

This is the device used by the cloistered nuns at the Convento de San Pablo to hand packages to people buying sweets.  (Terri Colby / Chicago Tribune)

Just outside the convent door, this musician brings a modern flair to the ancient square.  (Terri Colby / Chicago Tribune)

Almond cookies from the Convento de San Pablo.  (Terri Colby / Chicago Tribune)

The entrance to the vestibule where people can purchase sweets from the cloistered nuns.  (Terri Colby / Chicago Tribune)

Stop for a coffee at an outdoor cafe in the old city of Caceres.  (Terri Colby / Chicago Tribune)

Medieval stone towers seem to be around just about every corner.  (Terri Colby / Chicago Tribune)

This local fellow was singing in the streets on a Sunday afternoon, the stone walls helping to carry the sound.  (Terri Colby / Chicago Tribune)

Caceres’ ancient old town appears even more magical at night.  (Terri Colby / Chicago Tribune)

The area is known for its award-winning, soft, pungent Torta del Casar cheese.  (Terri Colby / Chicago Tribune)

Just outside the city, you can get an up-close look at exactly where some of the food comes from.  (Terri Colby / Chicago Tribune)