How we got here…
tony & carolyn scott - owners
Tony and Carolyn Scott, beloved figures in the Redmond community for over two decades, first crossed paths at the Painted Table in Seattle, where their shared passion for hospitality fortuitously sparked both a personal and professional partnership. In 2015, they realized their vision of a cherished neighborhood restaurant with the creation of Woodblock, a name inspired by their admiration for woodblock art—its layered colors reflecting the nuanced flavors in their delicious cuisine and elevated cocktails.
Their contribution to Redmond’s culinary landscape extends to Spark Pizza, a distinguished gem just five blocks from Woodblock. Through their ventures, Tony and Carolyn have profoundly enriched the local gastronomic scene, embodying a deep commitment to their community and earning widespread admiration from both staff and patrons for their warmth and grace.
Jonathan Garcia – Head Chef
Jonathan is a chef who thrives on creativity, precision, and the chaos of a full rail of tickets. He came up through the ranks at Seattle’s El Gaucho, where he sharpened his skills (and his knives) in a high-pressure, no-excuses environment. At Woodblock, he’s the force behind inventive specials, expert whiskey pairings, and the kind of dishes that stick with you long after the plate is cleared. Unlike the kitchens you see on TV, there’s no “Yes, Chef!” nonsense here—Jonathan runs his kitchen with quiet confidence, a laid-back demeanor, and the kind of steady-handed leadership that makes everyone else look good. He’s well-liked, rarely rattled, and more likely to crack a joke than raise his voice. When he’s not leading the kitchen, he’s in Brier with his wife, kids, and puppies likely pretending not to think about work while cooking at home.
Lydia Richmond – Front of House Manager
Lydia is the mind behind Woodblock’s front-of-house operations, the point person for marketing, PR, fundraising, community involvement, and making sure everything runs smoothly even when it absolutely doesn’t want to. She knows how to read a room, troubleshoot chaos before it unfolds, and keep the service team dialed in. With 20 years in fine dining on the East Coast, Lydia has developed a sharp eye for detail and an unshakable belief that things should be done right the first time. Whether it’s coordinating a charity campaign, curating themed cocktails for events, or keeping the wheels turning when the entire restaurant is sat, her heart is all in on Woodblock. When she’s not at the restaurant, you can find her raising babies in the Snoqualmie Valley, soaking up the quiet, and probably making a mental to-do list for work anyway.
Jorge Martinez – Bar Manager
Jorge is the man behind Woodblock’s whiskey list—literally. If he’s not behind the bar slinging cocktails five nights a week, he’s probably at the end of it, buried in a fortress of whiskey bottles, calculating costs and adding to our ever-growing collection. As the mastermind behind our liquor, beer, and whiskey ordering, he ensures that Woodblock’s legendary whiskey library remains the best for miles around, with over a thousand bottles and counting. When he’s not wrangling spreadsheets and spirits, you’ll find him out in the wild, being the social butterfly that he is—attending local community events with his family, or cruising the Sammamish River Trail on his bike, enjoying a rare moment where he’s not surrounded by liquor bottles.
