Many who dined at the former Prima Donna Restaurant in McKee's Rocks will remember being greeted by the owner as soon as they opened the door.
Joe “Joe Joe” Costanzo Jr. approached with open arms and a big laugh. A few minutes later, as the guests were seated, a mound of fried zucchini emerged from the plate – often found at home.
A similar scene will be performed at The Kitchen by Vangla in North Huntingdon on May 13th at 6:30 p.m. Costanzo, of Greenfield, and his friend and Prima Donna patron Jack Hunt of Pittsburgh (also known as Johnny Angel of Johnny Angel and the Halos) will be the guests.
The event is called “Johnny Angel on the Rocks at Vangra Kitchen: Tasting and Talk with Johnny Angel and Prima Donna Restaurant Owner Joe Costanzo.''
“This evening will be a walk down memory lane, McKee's Rocks style,” said Maria Costanzo Palmer, Costanzo's daughter and co-author of the book “On the Rocks: A Prima Donna Story.” “People always say they miss restaurants.”
Provided by Maria Costanzo Palmer
Pictured with his father, Joe “Joe Joe” Costanzo Jr., at a book event for “On the Rocks: A Prima Donna Story” held at Barnes & Noble in Greensburg in November 2023. Photographed by Maria Costanzo Palmer.
This book chronicles the real life journey of restaurateur Costanzo, from his rise to success in the 1990s as owner of Prima Donna, to his precipitous fall in the early 2000s, ending with an investigation and a stint in federal prison. doing.
Prima Donna recipes will be featured on the menu, including the aforementioned famous fried zucchini with marinara sauce.
Garlic toast with roasted red peppers marinated in Prima Donna dressing is served on bread from Mancini, a bakery based at McKee's Rocks.
Provided by Maria Costanzo Palmer
Roasted red peppers marinated in prima donna dressing served on mancini bread.
Spaghetti Con Sausage and Chicken Marsala, made with Ricci's hot, flaked sausage tossed in red sauce, will also be served. Donna's famous frozen chocolate cheesecake rounds out the meal.
It's BYOB.
Crystal Bangla, customer relations director at The Kitchen by Bangla, said the space was perfect for the event and it was going to be a “great night”.
The idea came from a previous culinary event Hunt hosted in Bangla. Rachel Rennebeck, Hunt's daughter and co-founder of Ya Jagoff Media with John Chamberlin, was interviewing Palmer about a food-themed event she hosted while promoting the book.
“It's going to be a fun and interactive way to bring the restaurant back for one night only,” Palmer said. “The food-based experiences we've done in Pittsburgh and beyond have proven to be our most popular events. Johnny Angel and my dad have such great chemistry. ”
Chamberlin said the event will make guests feel like they're back in the restaurant.
Courtesy of Rachel Lovas
Joe “Joe Joe” Costanzo Jr., his wife Donna Costanzo, and daughters Maria Costanzo Palmer (left) and Kelly Argilakis (right) at the John Senate Hall in August 2023 for the book “On” Heinz History Center at the launch of “The Rocks: A Prima Donna Story.''
There will be trivia and discussion about this book.
“Joe is a friend to everyone,” Hunt said, adding that he will be doing most of the cooking. “When you stepped into his restaurant, you were family. He invited you to sit around the table and enjoy Italian food. This event will be nostalgic, too. It's 'on the rocks.' It will create the feeling of being a prima donna again.”
A limited number of tickets are available for purchase online at thekitchenbyvangura.com for $67.50.
JoAnne Klimovich Harrop is a TribLive reporter covering the region's diverse culinary scene and unique homes. She writes features about interesting people and a weekly column about things to do in Pittsburgh. The Edward R. Murrow Award-winning journalist began his career as a sports reporter. She has been with her tribe for her 26 years and is the author of “A Daughter's Promise.” Contact her at jharrop@triblive.com.
