YOU COULD say tomorrow's event at Trump Marina is good for what "ales" you. That's because from 2 to 7 p.m., the bayside gambling den is staging its inaugural Craft Beer Fest at the Deck, the casino's al fresco saloon.

Two stations (one for beers on tap, one for bottles) will dispense some 25 boutique brews, including Jack's Pumpkin Spice, Victory Fest Bier, Magic Hat #9 and Palm. Among other labels slated to be served up at the "beer-tique" are Sam Adams, Flying Fish and Blue Moon.

The bash was devised earlier this year by the Marina's marketing folks, who were looking for ways to take better advantage of the Deck, the only casino-run, open-air bar not located on the beach.

"We said, 'OK, let's do a beer fest,' " recalled Robert McNellis, the property's director of food and beverage. "So we reached out to three key suppliers and told them what we wanted to do."

The idea, he continued, was to offer the public a crash course in brewskis, to give them more options than the standard go-to brands. "When it comes to beers, people are kind of limited. They don't know what's out there," he said. "They're limited to what their favorites are."

The Marina will issue each patron (who, of course, must be 21 or older) a punch card with 25 segments, each representing one of the featured brews, and a five-ounce tasting cup.

McNellis said that customers are welcome to have multiple samples of one beer, but they will still be limited to 25 cups.

Besides the liquid stars of the show, there will be three food stations offering (at an additional cost) steamship prime rib, soft pretzels, homemade kielbasa, bratwurst and German-style short ribs. Because the Deck will be open for business as usual, a full food-and-drink menu will also be available.

A casino, by definition, is in the gambling business. And McNellis and his colleagues took a huge gamble by scheduling an outdoor event during the traditional tropical-storm season. But it looks as if they'll hit the meteorological jackpot tomorrow.

"As of right now," he said earlier this week, "the forecast for the weekend is gorgeous!"

Trump Marina, Huron Avenue at Brigantine Boulevard, 2 to 7 p.m. tomorrow, $25, 609-441-2000, www.trumpmarina.com.

High on wine

 

In keeping with the "spirits" of this week's column, we can also note that Tropicana has just opened Alto Vino Wine Bar. The boite features 33 wines by the glass as well as high-end beers, single-malt scotches and cognacs. There's also a small-plate menu.

In addition, there is live entertainment provided by jazz-oriented artists.

The best thing about Alto Vino may be its location: the Top of the Trop, on the 20th floor of the casino's North Tower. It is arguably the city's coolest public space. (The Foundation Room at House of Blues inside Showboat is equally sharp, but it's a private club.)

The room, done up in sexy chrome-and-glass decor, offers panoramic views of Atlantic City and an air of grown-up sophistication that sets it apart from other gaming hall lounges, which tend to cater to a more rowdy, "let's party!" clientele.

Alto Vino is open 5 to 11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday. Weekends the space reverts back to a high-roller retreat. For more info, call 609-340-4000, or go to www.tropicana.net.

Wonder-ful

 

The best news of the week comes from Borgata, which has booked the legendary Stevie Wonder for an Oct. 31 performance. This will be Wonder's second time at the Big B.

His Oct. 27, 2007, debut was, at least for this observer, one of the most magical performances of the casino era and a simply unforgettable event.

Tickets ($150, $125 and $85) for the Halloween gig go on sale at 10 a.m. tomorrow. You can cop 'em by calling 866-900-4849, or go to www.theborgata.com.

Eagle flies solo

 

Also on sale tomorrow at 10 a.m. are tickets for the Nov. 14 concert by Don Henley of the Eagles. Find tix ($150 to $95) at 800-736-1420 or www.ticketmaster.com.

This and chat

 

Please join Inquirer casino business reporter Suzette Parmley and me for our monthly online chat about all things casinos at 11 a.m. Monday at www.philly.com.

Chuck Darrow has covered Atlantic City and casinos for more than 20 years. Read his blog http://go.philly.com/casinotes.

E-mail him at darrowc@phillynews.com.

And listen to his Atlantic City report Saturdays at 1:25 a.m. with Steve Trevelise on WIP (610-AM).