Terrence Howard has Philadelphia Style

Terrence Howard is excited to go on tour when his CD comes out in September. Howard says he'll play Philly in October as part of the tour for his debut album. We caught up with the "Iron Man" and "Hustle & Flow" actor at a Tuesday-night party by Philadelphia Style at 10 Arts, chef Eric Ripert's new restaurant at the Ritz-Carlton. Howard's the cover story of the magazine's new issue. Howard, who lives in Lafayette Hill, addressed the crowd before his first single "Love Makes You Beautiful" was played.

The actor caught up with Jim Ellis, longtime swim coach and employee of the city's Department of Recreation. In the movie "Pride," Howard portayed Ellis, whose longtime pool at the Marcus Foster Recreation Center was recently closed. Ellis now trains swimmers at Kelly Pool in Fairmount Park and at LaSalle University's pool.

Chef Ripert says he's enjoying Philadelphia and loves the hour-long commute by Acela from New York. We asked Ripert whether viewers of Bravos' "Top Chef" could expect to see him next season and he cited a confidentiality clause he signed for the show indicating he could be sued for up to $2 million if he discusses it. "I don't have that kind of money," Ripert said, begging off discussing the program with us. Ripert was hanging out with BJ Spencer, who, along with husband Craig, owns the Ritz-Carlton and co-owns the Philadelphia Soul.

He told us the couple was leaving today for New Orleans, where the Soul play Sunday afternoon in the Arena Bowl XXII. "3 o'clock on ABC," Spencer shouted, unable to contain her excitement about the team's amazing season.

Clothing designer Reuben Harley was at the party to give some of his new R.Harley collection to Howard. Harley has slimmed down, from jogging on Kelly Drive, and may soon shrink out of his longtime nickname Big Rube.