Entries for the 2010 competition, open to chefs and cooks working in hospitality businesses across Gippsland, close on January 29.

Five-time Signature Dish champion Trevor Perkins - the catering manager of Maryvale Private Hospital in Morwell - is aiming to add another notch to his belt following success with his winning rabbit dish in 2009.

Pakenham chef and owner of The Grayn Restaurant, Ray Garrad, is hoping his signature dish will this year be named the favourite after being narrowly beaten in last year's finals.

Event organiser Sophie O'Neill said the key to the competition was showcasing as much Gippsland produce as possible and the dish should be matched to a Gippsland wine or beer.

"Last year, Trevor Perkins' spectacular dish of Spring bank rabbit wrapped in Strzelecki Hills smoked goat mocetta serve with Thorpdale potato, vegetable ratatouille and peppered plum jus was ideally matched to a 2004 Bass Phillip Village pinot noir."

Entrants must submit a recipe of their signature dish, including a photograph, list of ingredients and details of local produce used.

A panel of food and wine specialists will then select three finalists for the "cook off" live on stage at the Harvest of Gippsland food and wine festival at Lardner Park on March 7.

Three commended entries will also be selected to cook live on stage and compete for the people's choice award.

Entry to the competition is free and there is no limit to the number of entries a business can submit.

For details, contact Lardner Park Events, 5626 1373, or Frances Grigoriou at Cardinia Shire Council, 5945 0402.