Here’s a little secret to help you through these insane late summer temperatures: eat more Thai food. You can eat lighter while still achieving complete satisfaction, thanks to the cuisine’s inherent flavor balance. Many dishes are packed with crunchy vegetable goodness and refreshing herbs—mint and basil, hello. And don’t be afraid to embrace the spicy; your mouth will be on fire but the rest of you will get a little cooler. Trust.

My go-to spot is Pin Kaow, which, due to its three convenient locations, can be your go-to spot, too. The Thai duck salad ($12.95) is the perfect summer meal, small but hearty, a wildly brilliant array of tastes and textures. There’s just the right portion of rich, fatty meat goodness from large chunks of beautifully roasted duck, some with crisp skin still attached. But most bites are filled with crisp cucumber, red and green onion, juicy ripe tomato wedges and chopped cilantro. Pooling at the bottom of the plate for all these fresh ingredients to absorb is a spicy-sweet elixir of lime juice, fish sauce, chili pepper, a little sugar and a little garlic.

Maybe one day I’ll take my own advice and eat only this tasty salad, and not move on to other wondrous Thai dishes at Pin Kaow. Doubtful.