They will be up against Sydney hot shots Joshua Raine and Alexis Besseau.

Colin Fassnidge will return as celebrity MC at the event, with his high-profile sidekick to be confirmed in the coming weeks.

The 2022 Food Fight marks a triumphant return as the industry reunites after missing the 2020 and 2021 editions due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Every year highly regarded Sydney chefs head to the Hunter Valley to take on top local chefs in the popular Food Fight fundraiser.

Each chef cooks one wine-matched course each for the 300-strong dining audience and, in return, the audience are set the task of deciding which chef cooked which dish, and who did it best.

Representing the Hunter this year is Portley, executive chef of Humbug in Newcastle who has previously worked at restaurants the calibre of Subo, Bodega in Sydney, and Africola in Adelaide.

Cooking by his side will be Waite, sous chef at the hatted Bistro Molines which is owned by "Hunter Valley Living Legends" Robert and Sally Molines.

Raine, representing Sydney, is executive chef at the acclaimed (and hatted) Tetsuya's and teammate Besseau is head chef at Restaurant Hubert.

This year's Food Fight is, as always, in the capable hands of the Hunter Culinary Association. The key objectives of the association are to provide scholarship opportunities to develop the careers of young and aspiring chefs and apprentices, and to raise the profile of the Hunter region's rich culinary scene.

It's the biggest annual fundraiser for the not-for-profit organisation and makes initiatives like the Brett Graham Scholarship, the First Creek Front of House Scholarship, the Apprentice Scholarship, the Front of House Rising Star award, and seasonal produce tours possible each year.

The 2022 Food Fight is also a signature event at the Hunter Valley Food and Wine Festival in May and June.

The Food Fight typically attracts considerable industry support but is also open for members of the public who get to enjoy a unique gastronomic experience for a good cause.

"Having sold out the event to 350 people in 2021 and having to cancel it at the 11th hour, we're excited to bring back the event this June," Hunter Culinary Association chair Gus Maher said.

"We're sure that we'll draw a great crowd from the industry as well as food lovers from near and far."

Tickets are $175 for Hunter Culinary Association members; $195 for non-members; $90 for apprentices; and $1600 for member tables of 10.

The day's entertainment kicks off at 11am and includes drinks plus canapes prepared by hospitality apprentices on arrival, a four-course meal prepared by the "fighting" chefs at 11.30am sharp, plus premium Hunter Valley wines and beer.

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