On the Rocks chronicles the real-life journey of restaurateur Joseph Costanzo Jr., from his rise to success in the 1990s as 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 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!
The book is a fascinating journey of Joe and his culinary legacy, painting a vivid picture of the highs and lows he encountered along the way. From humble beginnings to soaring success, readers are taken on an emotional rollercoaster as they witness the rise of a culinary icon and the eventual crash that shook the very foundation of his empire.
Once in a generation, captivating tales like that of Joseph Costanzo Jr. emerge, leaving an indelible mark on the world. From being an ordinary postal worker to becoming a celebrated Pittsburgh-area restaurateur, Joe’s journey was nothing short of extraordinary. He not only crafted an empire fueled by his delectable pasta dishes but also charmed everyone with his larger-than-life personality. However, as fate would have it, he experienced a dramatic downfall, witnessing his hard-earned empire crumble.
This compelling narrative of Joe’s life and the lasting impact he left behind is now beautifully chronicled in the book “On the Rocks,” which has taken the literary world by storm, earning the prestigious title of No. 1 New Release on Amazon. “On the Rocks” has received glowing acclaim from BookLife Reviews, lauding it as a “tantalizing peek” into the life and culinary art of this notorious restaurateur.
Adding another layer of intrigue to this captivating tale is Joe’s oldest daughter, Maria C. Palmer, who joins as one of the co-authors. Her firsthand insights provide a personal touch, offering a unique perspective on her father’s life and the impact he had on their family and the world.
The story of Joseph Costanzo Jr. is a mesmerizing saga that transcends generations. It celebrates the triumphs and tribulations of a postal worker turned legendary restaurateur, whose empire was built on pasta and charisma. Now etched in the pages of “On the Rocks,” this gripping account awaits those eager to immerse themselves in the life of a culinary icon and the remarkable journey that unfolded before him.
Maria Costanzo Palmer is an author and grant writer. Growing up as the oldest child of an award-winning restaurateur, Maria unexpectedly became a daughter of the incarcerated. This experience ignited an interest in working for Get on the Bus, a nonprofit dedicated to uniting children with their incarcerated parents. A former host on L.A. Talk Radio, Maria was recently featured on Food and Beverage Magazine Live and has made a number of media appearances. You can find Maria on FB and IG @joecostanzoprimadonna and on Twitter @mariacpalmer. For more information, visit www.mariacpalmer.com.
Ruthie Robbins is an award-winning educator who worked for the Montour School District in the suburbs of Pittsburgh, PA, and for Johns Hopkins University Talent Development Secondary. Ruthie grew up in “The Rocks” but now teaches English Language Arts and music in Buffalo, New York. Best known as co-creator of a popular interdisciplinary unit for Pittsburgh’s Kennywood Park, Ruthie is currently working on other books and is preparing to launch The Writing Factory Online, a comprehensive writing program for middle schools.