Flambee on stage!

[Aaronf8]

I am working on a production of One Man Two Guvnors and there is a scene in which there is a some form of flambee. I was wondering if anyone had any input on how we could do this. We dont want to use real fire due to fire marshal costs but need the effect.
The ideas i have so far are leds in the pan with smoke routes up through it. We are going for a realistic approch rather than comedic. Any idea are amazing!

Thanks