Ahhh, the hot dog. It's a staple at summer barbeques and a simple, yet versatile food close to the heart of many Americans.

Natick resident Rob Merlino, six-year owner of a hot dog truck and, as he says, “ambassador to Hot Dog Nation,” knows this.

That's why he's spending the entire month of July – National Hot Dog Month – sampling a variety of dogs in the region – one a day for 31 days. He's videoing his entire adventure and blogging about it at www.hotdogstories.com with hopes of writing a book about the experience.

Merlino – who calls himself Hotdogman – made it to Wareham on Saturday, July 7, for a stop at So Sabe's in Onset Village.

“So, you're a man of God and a man of dogs,” Merlino asked Onset Four Square Church Pastor Gerry Fernandes, who operates the food cart in the parking lot of the church along with Rick McGruder. The cart opened in the spring.

“Yes,” responded Fernandes. “We're serving heavenly dogs!”

Merlino asked Fernandes and McGruder a variety of dog-related questions before ordering a dog for himself, his wife Chantel, who he affectionately refers to as “Mrs. Hotdogman," and his daughter, "Little Miss."

Merlino asked Fernandes to talk about a memory involving hot dogs that particularly sticks out in his mind.

Fernandes didn't hesitate. Going to Hot Diggity Dog in New Bedford at midnight when he was young, and ordering a cheese dog.

Did it have real cheese?

Fernandes remembered cheese sauce.

“It didn't matter back then!” he noted.

Hotdogman was OK with this, though Mrs. Hotdogman was not. Mrs. Hotdogman argues that only shredded or sliced cheese should go on hot dogs. For this reason, Merlino had to offer both options when he operated his hot dog truck. He sold the business in 2009 due to a health issue, but is hoping to get the show back on the road soon.

So Sabe's offers Cheez Whiz, which Merlino graciously accepted on his own hot dog. McGruder had an olive branch for Mrs. Hotdogman – a slice of American cheese.

But the most intense debate had nothing to do with cheese.

Ketchup or mustard?

Fernandes prefers ketchup and mustard. Merlino let that slide – he believes only mustard should be used. McGruder blew everyone out of the water – he prefers mayonnaise.

Merlino came bearing gifts – a package of Pearl all-beef jalapeno franks and Onion Crunch – which is similar to crunchy onion straws, but is in smaller pieces. Both companies are sponsors of the Hotdogman's adventure.

Merlino then ate his giant dog, which was covered in relish and cheese, among other things.

“Napkins?” McGruder offered.

“I'm going to need a towel!” Merlino responded, and agreed that So Sabe's lives up to its Cape Verdean name, which stands for “so good!”

Hotdogman's adventure will bring him back to Wareham on June 14 for a stop at Dell's – a hot dog vendor who sets up shop during basketball games at the town courts off of Marion Road.

Wareham Week will let you know when Merlino's Wareham videos are available at www.hotdogstories.com!