Slurp Ramen, a quirkily named new ramen shop, appears to be gearing up to open on a sleepy alley in Chinatown (710 Commercial St. near Kearny Street). We don't have many more details other than what's on the website, as the owner, Eric Tom, declined to speak to us. We'll keep in touch with him and get more background when he's ready.

Slurp Ramen has been registered as a business with the California Secretary of State since January 26, 2012, and Tom applied for a type 41 beer and wine license in 2013 for Slurp Ramen at this location. (Slurp shouldn't be confused with the Castro's Slurp Noodle Bar, which is a separate entity.)

Slurp's storefront has "help wanted" signs in the windows, and a peek through the window shows a handful of tables on one side and a generous kitchen space on the other. A full list of positions and job descriptions, from line cooks to servers, is online.

According to the website, "our tonkotsu stock and chashu are made with 100 percent Berkshire pork. The bones are boiled for many hours, giving our stock a rich and milky finish." Ramen prices are listed as $11.50–$12, with extra toppings ranging from 50 cents to $3. They include items like sweet corn, seasoned egg, kimchee, fish cake and braised pork belly. 

The selection of appetizers includes house-made gyoza, chicken karaage (Japanese fried chicken), geso karaage (fried squid legs) and Kurobuta sausages, all $5.95, along with edamame ($2.95) and seaweed salad ($3.50). The menu lists sake and beer, as well as a chu-hi cocktail made with soju. Lunch combos and small rice bowls are on the menu as well.