About Me

Maria Palmer Author

From McKees Rocks to Upstate NY to Beverly Hills to New York City, it’s been a wonderful ride. Here’s what you need to know to win a Jeopardy category about me.

On The Rocks

So, what’s all the buzz about On the Rocks? Click here for a sampling of media appearances and honors about the book and the authors that you don’t want to miss.

Upcoming Events

Here’s the low-down of all the events, signings, appearances, and everything else you need to know to stay in the On the Rocks know!

Contact

I know what you are thinking, “This author is super awesome. How do I contact her to buy her film/tv/audio rights and book her for an appearance?”

ON THE ROCKS

On the Rocks, a narrative nonfiction story, chronicles the journey of restaurateur personality Joseph Costanzo, Jr., in his rise to success in the 1990’s as owner of the highly acclaimed Primadonna Restaurant, radio host, columnist, and aspiring politician through his sharp fall ending in an investigation and a stint in federal prison in the early 2000s.

ON THE ROCKS

On the Rocks, a narrative nonfiction story, chronicles the journey of restaurateur personality Joseph Costanzo, Jr., in his rise to success in the 1990’s as owner of the highly acclaimed Primadonna Restaurant, radio host, columnist, and aspiring politician through his sharp fall ending in an investigation and a stint in federal prison in the early 2000s.

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Synopsis

“The intangibles that enabled me to achieve my greatness also contained the seeds to my destruction.”
–Joseph Costanzo, Jr.

Joseph Costanzo, Jr., a young postal worker with a daydream of opening a world-class Italian restaurant in a dying town, becomes a classic example of blind ambition, as he is at once the driving force behind his success and the cause of his own downfall.

“The Rocks” is no longer a destination for anyone but the locals when Joe Costanzo entertains thoughts of buying a struggling restaurant on a corner of the abandoned and menacing streets of McKees Rocks in the 1980s. As Joe begins to make his dream come true, The Primadonna Restaurant becomes the main setting of the story as well as the hottest spot in town. With its lovable characters, delectable tastes, smells, camaraderie, behind-the-scenes antics, and celebrity appearances, the place begins to feel like home to readers, or at least a place they enjoy visiting through story.

Costanzo is a complex character whose actions attract and repulse, whom we admire for his confidence and rebuke for his arrogance, whom we love for his generosity and despise for his egotism, whom we learn from in both his attention to detail and lack thereof. An array of minor characters keeps the story interesting, from Joe’s own father to the local cops to the IRS, but readers will be most intrigued by the way Joe jeopardizes his own happiness and success. Come and walk beside this anything-but-average Joe as he takes you through his bumpy journey on the Rocks.

ABOUT THE RESTAURANT

Straight from the Horse's Mouth

Seeking Food Critic Mike Kalina

Joe knew that in order to get credibility for his restaurant, he needed a review by well-known Food Critic Mike Kalina.

Good Food + Great Service + Low Overhead = Money

Joe on the core of his restaurant’s guiding strategy.

Restaurateurs Must be Present for Success

Joe on the secret most Pittsburghers already know:
half of the battle is just showing up.

Food Was the Easiest Part of the Business.

Joe talks about how the food was the easiest part of the restaurant industry. The other variables make it tough.

Joe Costanzo - Marketing Maven

Joe Costanzo shares tips and tricks about how he marketed his Pittsburgh Post Gazette Restaurateur of the Year.

The Real Joy in Life

“The real joy in life is not arriving at your destination about how you got there.” He talks about the unlikelihood of having a high class restaurant in the mill town of McKees Rocks.

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