On the Rocks chronicles the real-life journey of restaurateur Joseph Costanzo Jr., from his rise to success in the 1990s as a owner of the highly acclaimed Primadonna Restaurant, radio host, columnist, and aspiring politician to his sharp fall in the early 2000s, ending in an investigation and a stint in federal prison. Costanzo is a complex character, whom readers will admire for his confidence and rebuke for his arrogance, will love for his generosity and despise for his egotism, and will learn from in both his attention to detail and lack thereof. This driven, not-your-average-Joe is an unforgettable character who achieves the seemingly impossible but can't help getting in his own way. Come along with Joe for a bumpy ride on the Rocks!
I met the author, Maria tonight at a book launch at my local library. She was so warm and kind and her family is lovely and supportive. I look forward to reading my signed copy. Thank you, Maria!
This book was awesome. It could have been fiction as it included so much color and insight. It was a highly enjoyable read and was nicely organized to tell an interesting story with both humor and real life challenges. Very well done, highly recommended.
On the Rocks is the story of a Pittsburgher who became the greatest restauranteur in the history of the Southwestern Pennsylvania area, chronicling his rise and, heartbreakingly, his fall. Unlike most of my book reviews, I won’t make you wait for my final opinion: this is one of the two best books I’ve ever read. It’s right up there with Dr. Carl Sagan’s “Demon Haunted World: Science as a Candle in the Dark.”
That’s the absolute truth.
Let me be absolutely honest and candid. It is impossible for me to be unbiased about this book, and I won’t insult anyone’s intelligence by pretending that I am. You see, I have the privilege of not only being a devoted customer of the prominently featured restaurant, now lost to history, but far better yet, I also have the honor of knowing the book’s subject, Mr. Joseph Costanzo Jr.
And I love him and his family, including his daughter, Maria, who co-authored this book with her former high school teacher, Ruthie Robbins.
The truth is that I knew that I was going to love this book the second I heard that it was going to be published, and still, Maria and Ruthie wildly exceeded my highest hopes. Feel free to cast aside my bias, as this book is currently ranked in Amazon’s Culinary Biographies and Memoirs, Celebrity & TV Show Cookbooks, and White Collar Crime True Accounts lists.
In addition to having lived through the adventures Maria documents, she has also compiled years of intensive research, including what I can only imagine must have been hundreds, if not thousands, of hours of interviews with the principals, obviously including her father.
The culmination of their labor turned into a story told through Joe’s voice, and that writing style makes all the difference. An absolutely true story, the book reads like a fiction narrative that, no matter how hard you try, you can’t put down.
This book takes you and your heart on the adventure of Joe’s adult life, and please believe me when I tell you that it’s been an amazing life that you WILL want to read about. It’s not a cloying hero’s journey; it’s far better because it’s real.
From someone who knows Mr. Costanzo, I can assure you that by the end of the book, you’ll know him, too. I hope that, as my family has for decades, by the time you finish the book, you’ll love him, as well.
And not because he is a saint. He isn’t, and this book will not try to convince you otherwise. The book’s sales blurb describes Mr. Costanzo as “a complex character, whom readers will admire for his confidence and rebuke for his arrogance, will love for his generosity and despise for his egotism, and will learn from in both his attention to detail and lack thereof.” I shall not dispute the infinite wisdom of this description, but I might gently challenge any conclusion you may derive from it. The Joe Costanzo Jr. you’ll meet in this book is a Pittsburgh legend and a fundamentally decent human, but he is a human. His mistakes and shortcomings are thoroughly laid bare for all to see, but his mistakes do not define him or everything that he has contributed to the community as a whole and to his family as a loving son, husband, and father.
Joe, his saint of a wife, Donna, his children, Maria and Kelly, and many members of his restaurant’s staff; people you’ll meet in this book, including David Rigo, Annmarie, and Hufty, are all a part of my story, too. I remember them with love, and I hope they know on some level that they’ll always be in my heart.
So you see, I’m happily, cheerfully, and most importantly, gratefully biased. So much so that a short blurb I wrote appears at the beginning of the book. The publishers, in their wisdom, cut down what I wrote, so I’ll wrap up my review with my full quote:
“Whether you were a patron of his restaurant, an employee, a member of the community, or fortunate enough to find yourself in his orbit in any capacity, Joseph Costanzo Jr. made you feel like you were the most important person he would talk with all day. Anyone who has known Joe has come away from the experience better, smarter, and kinder for his influence.
We may never be able to take the full measure of how much of a positive impact Joe has made, but we can appreciate his very human story and raise a glass to toast a family and community legacy that will be celebrated for generations to come.”
Not only will you love this book, but you’ll feel better about life in general by the time you’ve finished it.
"On The Rocks" is a remarkable biographical novel that offers an intoxicating blend of flavors, emotions, and the indomitable spirit of Joe Costanzo, the protagonist and owner of the legendary Primadonna restaurant in McKees Rocks, Pittsburgh. This captivating story told by co-authors Maria Costanzo Palmer (Joe’s eldest daughter) and Ruthie Robbins (Palmer’s former teacher) beautifully encapsulates the trials, triumphs, and ultimate success of Joe's culinary odyssey, leaving readers utterly engaged from start to finish.
At the heart of "On The Rocks" lies the indomitable Joe Costanzo, a character so authentically portrayed that he leaps off the pages. From the very beginning, the authors masterfully paint a vivid picture of Joe, a determined young postal worker with a dream to build a world class Italian restaurant in the formidable location of McKees Rocks—not only had the former bustling destination town suffered a severe downturn leaving many buildings boarded up, but the locals held a healthy caution towards outsiders.
With passion, determination, and masterful marketing skills, Joe brings his dreams to life, creating a multi-award-winning restaurant that is central to building McKees Rocks back up to its former glory as a destination town. His unwavering commitment to the pursuit of excellence and his deep connection with his loyal customers make him a true hero of the culinary world.
What sets this biographical novel apart is how the authors skillfully weave together the personal and professional aspects of Joe's journey, exploring the highs and lows, and sacrifices he encounters along the way, including the severe impact the stress has on his health and the strain his, at times, rash choices have on the endearing relationship with his resilient wife, Donna. A quote Joe makes in the book beautifully sums up his own nature’s central connection to his success and failure: “The intangibles that enabled me to achieve my greatness, also contained the seeds to my destruction.”
Ultimately, "On The Rocks" is an inspirational tale of ambition, perseverance, and the power of food to bring people together. It celebrates the human spirit, reminding us of the fragility of success and the immense toll it can take on not only ourselves but our family.
I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone who appreciates a well-crafted tale that blends culinary delights with the captivating journey of a remarkable man.
I was honored to be asked to receive an advanced reader copy to review. What a story, I read it through in one sitting. This memoir is an intimate invite to slip into a half-lit booth at Primadona’s bar and get swept up into a delectable story of family, food, American dreams, and the building of an institution that not only anchored a neighborhood but offered everyone who passed through its doors a seat at the table—no matter who they were and where they came from. It’s also a heart wrenching reminder that the hunger that makes us, can also break us—but only if we allow it. Because even in the darkest of nights, the love of a faithful partner and a good plate of Joe’s mom’s Rice Krispies chicken with a side of pasta can get us through to tomorrow. Now, if only Joe would share some of the Costanzo family favorite recipes that packed his restaurant night after night for so many years! I only wish I could have one night at the Primadona. What’d I do to get a table today!
The story of Joseph Costanzo Jr. and his rise and fall seems like a tall tale. If I didn’t know Joe personally and if I hadn’t been a customer of the Primadonna, I’m not sure I’d believe it.
With that said, it’s a fascinating story that captured me from the beginning. I learned things about the early years that I hadn’t known until reading the book. We all need a Donna in our lives to keep us in check. But we all want to be a Joe; the visionary, risk taker, and king of our world. Who doesn’t want the ability to send out free zucchini and watch the smiles form?
I once heard that happy people eat out. Birthday, anniversary, first date, graduation: all celebrations and joy shared over a great meal. The Primadonna made everyone feel special, even if it wasn’t a special occasion!
If you don’t know the story ; it’s time to pick up the book and get reading! Even if you do know the story, it’s a great read.
An outstanding collaboration … two authors, a father and his daughter, and a husband and wife, not to mention the entire Primadonna family. This story captured my attention with the first sentence and never let up until the last word—- I couldn’t put it down! I am in complete awe of the immense amount of unconditional love, vulnerability, determination, resilience,and forgiveness displayed by Joe and his entire community of family, friends, customers, business associates, and even inmates! Totally relatable to me as an Italian and wife of a newly established restaurateur—- I could truly feel Donna’s emotions throughout the story and I’ve, somehow, become a little less anxious about this crazy restaurant roller coaster life —- as I strive to stress and worry less while I love and forgive much, much more.
This is a fantastic book. Although, it’s nonfiction, the pages read as a story. If you’re someone in business, you live in Pittsburgh, or maybe you love an underdog to success story (and all the trials after) you MUST read this. Growing up in Pittsburgh, my parents went to The Primadonna many many times for dinner…regular trips or special occasions. My mom still remembers an Italian veal dish there very fondly, nothing has compared since, only a few other dishes while traveling have come close. I have met the Costanzo family, and they are wonderful people. They are kind, generous and family centered. Kelly, Joe’s daughter, is my hairstylist, and she does an amazing job! If you want to feel good about what you’re reading and need something that keeps you wanting to turn the page, read this book! 5 STARS or 5 FORKS?
This was an enjoyable read as the author, daughter of Joe Costanza, tells her father’s story about the rise and fall of his restaurant, the Primadonna Restaurant. The height of this Italian restaurant located in the center of McKees Rocks was in the 1980’s and 1990’s and I enjoyed reliving that time in Pittsburgh. It was interesting to read about the inner workings of establishing a restaurant and the hard work to make it successful. I did not realize the success he obtained not only locally but nationally. Like many who enjoy success, he started to loose focus and became greedy. Joe ended up being charged with tax evasion which landed him in federal jail for 5 months and ultimately to sell the Primadonna Restaurant. I admired the transparency of his story. His truth had to be hard to retell. He was blessed with an amazing family who he credits for the joy in his life.
“On The Rocks” is a page-turning memoir of the rise and fall of an Italian-American restauranteur. Joe Costanzo was the OG self-marketing guru and social influencer of the 1980s restaurant scene in Pittsburgh and beyond. The most fascinating parts of his story are: how he excelled in his culinary dreams to an unimaginable level; the quirky real-life cast of characters who frequented The Primadonna; the do’s and don’ts—especially the cautions—of running a restaurant and hospitality empire; and Mike Kalina’s critical sphere of influence. For anyone who is nostalgic for the Italian-American restauranteur culture à la “Big Night,” this book is for you.
Jennifer Ciotta Corporate Flight Attendant podcast
I remember, many years ago, how excited my family and I were going to The Primadonna restaurant for the first time. It was a special treat, fancier than most restaurants we visited and our first time in McKees Rocks. Just like the book describes, the owner, Joe, came to our table, talked to Dad about Italian cooking and gave us complimentary fried zucchini. It was a special night. I really enjoyed this story of how a postal worker/ turned restauranteur decided to open an Italian restaurant in a “shady” part of Pittsburgh. How he built the business and achieved some of the highest awards. Yet everything came crashing down on his dream. I loved the story of family, forgiveness and community; worthy of my 5-fork, I mean 5 -star review. 😉
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Interesting book, especially if you lived in the Pittsburgh area in the 1980s-90s. Although I never visited The Primadonna restaurant, I knew of it and have driven by its location many, many times. The book, written by the restaurant’s owner’s daughter, is told in the first person of her father. He is presented as an overly generous, ambitious, kind hearted but street smart man who simply was a bad bookkeeper and was the victim of a politically motivated smear campaign which landed him in jail for tax evasion. The true heroine though is his wife who stayed by his side despite his lying to her-over and over, spending all of their retirement savings for his own ambitions and taking such ill care of himself that he ends up a physical burden to her as well as a financial one.
A great read about Pittsburgh’s restaurant owner: Jo-Jo Costanzo. The book, well written, flowed like a conversation in one’s home or over a table in a bar. Having known Joe, the book reads as he talked, and I have no doubt the book is most factual in all respects. The Primadonna sounds like a unique experience at a unique period of time. The book tells much about the ‘hats’ one must wear to run a successful restaurant and the attention to detail Joe had. His wife, Donna, was an asset Joe should have listened to more and I’m sure he’d agree when looking back. This is a fun and entertaining read while the story of life unfolds ON THE ROCKS.
On The Rocks was an easy read, with short chapters. Although the story is told in first person, in the voice of Joe Costanzo, proprietor of The Primadonna restaurant, it was written by his daughter and another woman. While it kept my interest (in a somewhat captive situation), Joe was not always an easy person to admire. At times, his "voice", as presented, irritated me. I did appreciate Costanzo's marketing sense. I had eaten at the restaurant a couple of times and vaguely recalled some of Costanzo's other public issues. I am not sure that this book would interest those not familiar with the restaurant or the area.
If you’re looking for an amazing true story novel to read, this is it! It’s heartwarming, heartbreaking, humorous, and with a cast of characters that feel so cinematic, you’re shocked they are real people. Maria Palmer and Ruthie Robbins capture the essence of a man (Maria’s father) who is determined to become a successful restaurateur when everyone said it was impossible, and the raw trials and tribulations that came with fame, fortune and the collapse and recovery of a dream. I just couldn’t put it down, so be sure to check it out!
This book was a very special read for me. The Costanzo’s are my family and although I was very young when the Primadonna was around I always remembered hearing the stories. Reading now as an adult I am in awe of all that my Uncle Joe and Aunt Donna endured from the 80s-early 2000s. I have so many core memories that include them and they always opened their home to us anytime we were in Pittsburgh. I knew Uncle Joe was in influential person but I am so glad to have read this book to really understand his life, personality, and passion. To Maria, this book is amazing and I am so proud of you!
Nostalgia is the magic word for this book! If you love family and friends gathering together to talk about great, warm memories, you will love this book. A true story about a man with a dream who created history in a little Western PA town that struggles to this day. As every Italian knows, food is what brings us and keeps us together and that is the true message of the book. Totally can see this as a movie or Netflix series. What are you waiting for Hollywood! There are more stories about The Primadonna Restaurant just waiting to be told!
Enjoyable for me as I lived in Pittsburgh during the Primadonna's heyday.
As the narrator's daughter was one of the authors there is a bit too much deification. I know that Mr. Costanzo did a lot for the McKees Rocks community. And the story of his success is remarkable. But I know he's. a smart man and find it hard to believe that he was that that blind to the financial irregularities.
I just loved this book. A truthful, raw and honest telling of a man’s life and dreams. So well written that at times i felt like I was actually in the restaurant, sampling all that delicious Italian food!
I’ve never read a memoir/biography quite like this. Not only is this book engaging from the first page, but the interesting way that it is written by the two female authors in the male protagonist’s voice is incredible. I laughed, I cried, I reflected. My only regret was finishing it so quickly.
A very fun snack book, written by his daughter but from his perspective, Joe Constanza Jr is larger than real life. His enormous personality and reflections of his ups and downs were fascinating, made even more so by the fact it’s set right here in Pittsburgh
This book is amazing! It has history, action, struggle, and perseverance. All of the characters are really interesting and it keeps you wanting to read more and more. Absolutely amazing!!!!
I felt like I was right there in McKees Rock with Joe Costanzo. The characters in his journey at The Primadonna were really brought to life with the descriptions and conversations. I learned a lot about the type of person Joe is. It seemed like he could talk to anyone. Thank you for sharing your story!
‘On The Rocks’ tells of an amazing feat of accomplishment by esteemed restaurateur, Joe Costanzo Jr, but more than that, it tells a story of sticking together as a family through tough times and rejoicing in each other’s strengths in celebratory times.
The author narrates the book through her father’s voice, bringing his robust character to life brilliantly. It’s a fast-paced recount of events from a dream to the reality of owning and running the best restaurant in town. With a massive hiccup in the middle, the author keeps you on the edge of your seat for what must have been a frightening time for the whole family.
A great read! This book was extremely well written and a great portrayal of the rise and fall of restaurateur, Joe Costanzo. It was very engaging from start to finish and one I would highly recommend.
I was honored to be asked to receive an advanced reader copy to review. What a story, I read it through in one sitting. This memoir is an intimate invite to slip into a half-lit booth at Primadona’s bar and get swept up into a delectable story of family, food, American dreams, and the building of an institution that not only anchored a neighborhood but offered everyone who passed through its doors a seat at the table—no matter who they were and where they came from. It’s also a heart wrenching reminder that the hunger that makes us, can also break us—but only if we allow it. Because even in the darkest of nights, the love of a faithful partner and a good plate of Joe’s mom’s Rice Krispies chicken with a side of pasta can get us through to tomorrow. Now, if only Joe would share some of the Costanzo family favorite recipes that packed his restaurant night after night for so many years! I only wish I could have one night at the Primadona. What’d I do to get a table today!