× Thanks for reading! Log in to continue. Enjoy more articles by logging in or creating a free account. No credit card required. Log in Sign up {{featured_button_text}}

The owners of the three Takara Japanese restaurants in Madison and Middleton are bringing a ramen noodle house to Park Street.

The transformation of the old Cousins location, 1124 S. Park St., into Ramen Station is nearly complete, said Erica Ni, who owns the new restaurant with husband Brian Ni and the couple's best friend Li Dong, who will serve as chef.

The partners are awaiting final city inspections, but Erica Ni hopes to have the restaurant open as early as Feb. 14 for Valentine's Day.

Ramen Station will offer about a dozen ramen bowls including miso or bean paste ramen; the salty shio ramen; soy sauce or shoyu ramen; tonkotsu ramen made with pork bones; seafood ramen; sesame ramen; and vegetable ramen.

The menu will also offer appetizers; Japanese curry rice; fried rice; and more than a dozen kushiyaki, or grilled and skewered meat (chicken, beef, lamb), seafood and vegetables. There is no sushi in sight.

The ramen idea was Dong's, Erica Ni said. Dong, who is Chinese like Erica and Brian Ni, lived in Japan for about 12 years and worked in ramen restaurants. Brian has also spent a lot of time in Japan, she said.

"They love Japanese cuisine. They love the food and love the culture," Erica Ni added.