Chef Menteur is an American instrumental rock band from New Orleans, Louisiana, formed in 1998 by Alec Vance and Jim Yonkus. The group explores genres including electronica, post-rock, experimental noise, drone, and improvisational jazz. They released their debut EP, Vive La France!, in 2003 on Backporch Revolution. In 2005, Dan Haugh joined for the release of the acclaimed album We Await Silent Tristero's Empire. Following Hurricane Katrina, the band helped produce the 2006 compilation Proud To Swim Home and was among the first to return to live performance in the city. The group released The Answer's In Forgetting in 2007, receiving a Best Electronic Act nomination in 2008. Subsequent recordings include East of the Sun & West of the Moon (2012) and Force Majeure (2014). Court Batson joined on bass in 2017. The band was active recording and performing live in January 2024.
